Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has promised to work with his Ogun State counterpart, Dapo Abiodun, to end banditry and kidnapping in boundaries shared by the two states.
The two governors, while flagging off the inaugural joint security meeting at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, emphasised the centrality of security to socio-economic development.
Makinde maintained that the two states decided to initiate the project because of the growing rate of kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted his principal as saying: “We came here to initiate a collaborative effort between our two states because it is the right thing to do and absolutely important we do it. In recent times, we have seen cases of kidnapping. So, if it is not a big concern to the leadership of the two states, then we won’t be here also with our service commanders.”
The governors equally agreed to set up a Joint Border Security Task Force with membership drawn from various security agencies in each state, to patrol boundary communities and ensure security of life and property for residents and commuters.
They equally resolved that members of the task force would be trained on the rule of engagement to prevent unwholesome practices.
Makinde, who asserted himself as a believer in structural reform in the security, politics and economy of the nation, commended Abiodun for the infrastructural drive that is connecting cities with the state.
