Oyo governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has strengthened the State Security Architecture with the recruitment of 480 Forest Rangers as well as the proposed establishment of Airstrips in Otu and Igbeti areas of the state.
The decision is aimed at combating kidnapping, banditry, illegal mining, and other vices across the 33 local government areas of the state.
He added that for effective service delivery, Amotekun Corps will be using aircraft as well as flying drones for security surveillance in at least 25 local government areas.
On the formation of the Forest Rangers, the governor said, “We recognize that there is more to be done to address kidnapping, banditry, and other illegal activities in our forest.
“This is what led to the initiative to establish forest rangers as the subunits of Amotekun in 25 local government areas, which are about 480 recruits out of the 561 passing out today.
“These forest rangers are to work in forests within their local government areas alongside other stakeholders, such as hunters and other community groups.
“Their task is to secure our farmers and other people that are engaged in economic activities. They are also to preserve our natural resources in our forest to prevent illegal activities. This additional Oyo Amotekun recruits passing out today will increase the number of Oyo Amotekun to 2,500 Corps members.
“That is double what the rest of the Southwest Amotekun have. If you take all the other states put together, maybe they have 1,500 Amotekun, but in Oyo State, we now have a strength of 2,500 Amotekun Corps members.
“We will continue to provide the equipment needed and monthly operational grants to ensure smooth operations.
“We, as the Commandant Amotekun said, we took out group life insurance for the existing 2,000 operatives.
“I want to say that we will ensure that the new recruits passing out today are also brought immediately under the group life insurance.
We will employ more Amotekun Corps. We will set up an arm of Amotekun that will use aircraft for surveillance activities. They will use drones. We will set up two airstrips in Igbeti. And Otu in Olorunsogo and Itesiwaju local government areas respectively.
“All of this will happen within the next one year. So with the airport in Ibadan, the airstrips in Olorunsogo, in Igbeti, and the airstrip in Otu, before ground troops moved in for any clearance operation, we would have gotten a lot of intelligence and information provided by Amotekun Corps”
Earlier in his address, the State Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd) thanked the governor for his support, especially for increasing the operational vehicles from 35 to 182 patrol vehicles and 420 motorcycles within a space of three and half years.
According to him, “The growth and modest achievements of Oyo Amộtékún have been nothing short of remarkable. Our operatives now benefit from a Group Life Insurance policy, paid for by the State government.
“In addition, our officers are enrolled in a comprehensive health insurance scheme and are compensated with monthly salaries well above the recently approved Federal Government minimum wage. Since July 2021, the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, has prioritized the logistics support of this agency, ensuring that we have the resources we need to function effectively every month. This has been constant and timely.
“Maintaining 182 operational vehicles that cover the nooks and crannies of this vast state for at least 16 hours daily is no easy task. Mechanical faults are inevitable and the human fatigue that comes with the rigorous schedule is very real. Yet, through it all, we have thrived because of the consistent and generous support of His Excellency. Governor Makinde.
“Today, our fuel bills alone stand at N17m monthly. Thus, the question on my mind is: What will happen to Oyo Àmộtękun after Seyi Makinde’s tenure?
“I humbly appeal for one more consideration allowance for these operatives. Given the rigorous and hazardous nature of their duties, a consolidated bi-annual or annual hazard allowance would not only boost their morale but also demonstrate the state’s recognition of their sacrifices.
“These men and women put their lives on the line daily, many leaving their families unsure of their well-being. Such a gesture would go a long way in sustaining their commitment”.
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