Ondo state government has explained why it hired a private security firm following the resurgence of kidnapping and other crimes across the state.
Recall that the hiring of a private, Global Olabod Resources Limited, by the state government, had generated heated arguments within and outside the state.
This was sequel to the declaration by the firms Chairman, Mr Eniola Ogunbodede, that the firm would be coordinating all the security agencies in the state.
But in a swift response, the Senior Special to the state governor on security, Olugbenga Atiba, dismissed the firm Chairman’s claim.
Atiba clarified that aside for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, the firm, would also provide the government with accurate and reliable data of the farmers across the state.
He said that “the state government’s intention was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands is a misrepresentation of the facts.
The statement issued in Akure, the state capital, by Atiba reads that ” The recent reports suggesting that the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has contracted the services of a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, to enhance state security—particularly to protect farmers in the state’s forest reserves—are incorrect, misleading, and misinformed.
“The claim made by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, that the state government’s intention was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands is a misrepresentation of the facts.
“It is important to clarify that the state government currently enjoys a strong and cooperative relationship with all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s homeland security unit, Amotekun.
“Most notably, these security agencies in the state have been performing admirably in fulfilling their duty to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.
“The engagement of Global Olabod Resources Limited by the state government is specifically for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, to provide the government with accurate and reliable data.
“It is inappropriate for a privately-owned firm to claim or assume the role of coordinating all the security agencies in the state—especially in a state where government officials are already tasked with such responsibilities.
“Under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government will continue to collaborate with all relevant federal security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the entire state and its inhabitants.
Atiba said that “The general public can rest assured that both federal and state security agencies will not shirk their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.
