Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said he would do all it takes to ensure the lives of residents of the state are safeguarded.
He stated this on Tuesday in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government, where he visited the families of last weekend’s attacks.
He added that his government would do everything possible to prevent a recurrence of violent attacks on Igangan and other communities.
The Governor said in addition to other measures taken to ensure that insecurity in Ibarapaland is a thing of the past, the State would empower local security guards and vigilantes.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that Governor Makinde, who was in Igangan with top government functionaries and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin deplored the loss of lives.
He added that the government has been able to identify areas where there are lapses, calling on the people to give his government the opportunity to address the situation and put in place the right architecture that will enable them to return to their normal lives without fear.
“I have told your chairman that all the vigilantes and security guards, the government will be responsible for them. This is your government, please give me the opportunity to do the needful so that a meeting like this would not come up again.
“I urge you to give me that chance to make the issue of insecurity here become a thing of the past. Don’t take laws into your hands. We have identified where there are hitches. We are supposed to be going to our farms by now because of the favourable weather. But hold me accountable, I have nowhere to go.
“I believe there are some certain things we put in place, which we think would work but unfortunately, they did not work. Please, give me some time, everything will be resolved.”
Governor Makinde, who promised that his government would work through the sad situation together with the people of the community, stated that it is the last time such a bad occurrence would take place in Igangan.
The governor said: “It is not a situation where there is any magic we can do. We have to work through this and work together through it. But I promise you, this is the last time anything like this will ever happen here. It is a promise I am making to you, and it is a promise I will come through with.
