The commanders of the South-West Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps, have declared their commitment to ensuring adequate protection of the lives and properties of the people within the region.
The commanders say they will synergise towards ensuring that a repeat of the attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, where several worshippers were killed, does not happen again.
They made the declaration in Akure, the Ondo State capital, while on a condolence visit to the state on Thursday.
The visitors include Corps Commanders from Ekiti, General Joe Komolafe (retd.), Colonel Olayinka Olayanju (retd.) (Oyo), David Ajibola Akinremi (Ogun) and Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), (Osun State).
The Ondo State Commander and Chairman of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who spoke on behalf of the others during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said they were in the state to condole with the church, the victims’ family and the state in general.
He said, “As a team, we are here on a condolence visit over this unfortunate incident and the irreparable loss, and to also assess the security situation and proffer our solution with a view to ensuring that a repeat of this does not happen anywhere in the South-West region again.
“We feel very sad about this attack because these ‘animals’ invaded this ever-peaceful town and massacred defenceless worshippers. it is a sad moment for us.
“To Ondo State people, we want to reassure them that the executives of all the western states are determined to continue to ensure that your security of lives and properties are guaranteed.
“We want you all to be rest assured that, even the Federal Government and all the security agencies, are not leaving any stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of this dastardly act, and ensuring that we prevent a repeat of it.”
Responding, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, commended the Amotekun commanders for effectively securing the South-West region.
“You are all trying your best to ensure peace reigns in Yoruba land. We know you have your challenges. If only the Federal Government would support and allow you to carry sophisticated weapons, no crime will be difficult for you to burst.”
“Oba Ogunoye also appealed to the Federal Government on the need to transform the Amotekun Corps into state police so as to effectively combat crimes and criminalities in the region.
