In past months, Oyo State; particularly the Ibarapa and Oke Ogun zones of the state, have been engulfed with insecurity threats – Kidnappings, farmers and herders clash. Not only that, the capital city of the state; Ibadan, has also witnessed attacks of various caliber, that have claimed many lives and properties. Of the five(5) geo-political zones in the state, Ogbomoso seems the only one relatively peaceful, recently.
No doubt, the security challenges ongoing in the state, should be huge concern to government at all levels, as well as every patriot of the state, and Nigeria at large. Not even when the state seems to have experienced commendable peace and tight security in the just concluded government administration. One would then have asked of where and what went wrong!
Without mincing words, one would attest to the fact that the seemingly increase experience in the insecurity of the state could also be linked to the unchecked freedom enjoyed by the #EndSars protesters in the state; which opened the security architecture of the state to various attacks; particularly, the Nigeria Police Force.
Being the major victim of the #EndSars protest, the Nigerian Police Force has not recovered from the attack. Hence; one can easily conclude that the morale is down. This in no small measures has contributed to low response recorded to attacks in the state.
On the part of the state government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the performance of government in the area of security shows there is decrease in what has been in existence before he(Seyi) took office in 2019. In view of this, more is required to be done to protect the lives and properties of the good people of Oyo State.
Yet; kudos should be given to the government in its efforts and responses to all these security challenges. While there are efforts on the part of the State in tackling insecurity challenge, most especially the creation and deployment of the Amotekun Corps to various parts of the state; there are expectations that positives results would be recorded, soon.
Also, the role of politics cannot be separated from the spate of insecurity news in the state; in fact, they are Siamese twin, difficult to separate. While many had used the opportunity to take jibe at the ruling government in the state, many had used the opportunity to speak on the lack of proactiveness of the Governor himself, most especially in visiting the affected area himself promptly.
It is no more news that the security challenges in the state is being tackled and therefore, every individuals must play their role too. Security should and must be seen as a collective responsibility. In fact, it is the time to separate patriotic and unpatriotic citizens of the state. Every citizens of the state should play their part in ensuring that peace; the hallmark of every governance is restored in the state.
Also, the Federal Government must support the state government in tackling insecurity in the state. Irrespective of party differences of the number one citizen of the country (PMB) and that of Oyo State (GSM), the president must show that he is the father of all and not for few. The FG must accede the Governor’s call to tackle insecurity in the state. Furthermore, as part of this collaborative efforts, the government at the two levels must synergize and collaborate to up the morale of the men of the Nigeria Police Force in the state, put the actions and inactions of the #EndSars behind; get back to the peace settlement role in the state as always.
Be that as it may, Oyo State Government should organize security summit across the state (not only the crisis-laden affected areas) as another means of ending insecurity in Oyo State. This is another confirmation that every community has a role to play. Vigilance must be kept in identifying criminals and substantive protocols must be followed in dealing with issues. Also, communities must supply adequate and confirm information to authorities concerned as at when due; thereby avoiding jungle justice.
In the same vein, the state government needs to take drastic steps at challenging issue of fake news in the state; which has further heightened security threats in the state. The good people of Oyo State need no fake news alarmist and propagandists who thrive and derive pleasures in the shortcoming of the present state government to cause security tension in the state. While many of these propagandists and alarmist does this for cheap popularity and attention seeking, the people of Oyo State must continue to maintain the goodwill of the state.
Also, the state government must work with other political bigwigs representing the state at various capacities in the country and legislatures in bringing peace and stability to entire Oyo State.
Finally, while I agree that there is anger and bitterness in the land, Nigerians must take appropriate means to express their grievances, keep faith and support the state government as it take conscious steps to better the lots of Oyo State citizens.
God bless Oyo State
God bless Nigeria.
My name is, Odetunde Stephen Blessing
stephenblessing582@gmail.com
Ogbomoso Oyo State
