The Ogun State and Oyo State Governments on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a Joint Border Security Task Force to patrol the border communities, and also deploy Close Circuit Television (CCTV) on interstate highways, to ensure security of lives and property for the residents and commuters
The Governors of the neighbouring states, Dapo Abiodun and Seyi Makinde signed the agreement at the inaugural meeting of the two states on security issues held at the Presidential Lodge, Government Reservation Area(GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta,
The Governors explained that, membership of the task force will be drawn from various security agencies in the two states ,adding that they will be trained and orientated on the rule of engagement to prevent unwholesome practices
The communiqué signed by the Governors after extensive deliberations discussed a number of security related issues and noted with concern the growing cases in recent times of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, farmers-herders clashes, banditry, ritual killings, financial crimes (popularly called yahoo yahoo), among other criminal activities, particularly around the border communities of the two States.
Penpushing further reports that, the Governors extensive deliberation pointed out that objective of ensuring peace and security is being undermined by the criminal activities in the communities along their common boundaries.
The Governors declared that they are to eradicate or at least minimize crimes and ensure peace and safety of lives and property in the respective states, hence, resolve to review the security architecture and initiatives in the two States.
Penpushing also reports that, the communiqué added that the committee will meet at regular intervals to provide oversight, review progress and take necessary actions, adding that the it will jointly collaborate on emergency / distress calls, especially on the highways that connect the two States
The other resolutions are: to share experiences and intelligence on security matters to assist overall safety and security of lives and property in the two States and the Nation at large, to effectively engage, cooperate and collaborate with all the Stakeholders, including but not limited to the Federal Government, State, and non-State actors (traditional institutions, religious groups, community development associations, etc.) whose input and support are required for improved security in the two States and around the border communities.
The meeting also agreed to implement the following initiatives in the short term: threats assessment and analysis along the border corridors, deployment of CCTV on the interstate highways, setting up of outposts along the border communities for the use of the Joint Border Security Task Force
Penpushing reports that, the communiqué said the other resolutions include: harmonisation and mainstreaming of voluntary police and informal security outfits, timeous and diligent prosecution of criminals to signify the resolve of the Governments of both states to clamp down on criminality.
‘In this wise, the Attorneys-General of the two States should ensure synergy between law enforcement agencies and their prosecution departments or directorates during the investigative and prosecution phases of cases’, the communiqué emphasised.
The meeting commended the two Governors for this historic initiative and commitment, and emphasised that security is very critical to the achievement of the much-desired socio-economic development.
Penpushing further reports that, the two Governors reaffirmed their commitment to the attainment of the objectives of the Joint Security initiatives, and equally set up an Implementation Team to work out the modalities and programme of activities.
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