…moves to decongest correctional facilities
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its residents, vowing to leave no stone unturned in protecting lives and property across the state.
This assurance follows reports of bandit infiltration from northern Nigeria, prompting proactive measures discussed during the state’s Joint Security Council meeting, presided over by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, Special Adviser on Security, Compol Fatai Owoseni (Rtd), disclosed that the government is working in synergy with security agencies to track down criminal elements and bring them to justice.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while emphasizing that the state is leaving no room for criminals to operate.
Owoseni also revealed plans to strengthen security by incorporating local government chairmen and traditional rulers into the security architecture.
“The local government administration is the third tier of government and is closest to the people. Traditional rulers know their communities and the people in their domains.
“By involving them, we are taking security to the grassroots and ensuring collective efforts in combating crime,” he stated.
He added that Oyo State is collaborating with neighboring states to secure its borders and prevent the influx of bandits and other criminal elements from entering the state.
Addressing concerns about overcrowded correctional facilities in the state, Owoseni announced that the government is considering invoking its prerogative of mercy to decongest facilities.
He explained that the Security Council is also prioritizing the health and wellbeing of inmates, with plans to enroll them in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme to ensure access to quality healthcare.
“A decision on enrolling inmates in the health insurance scheme will be finalized at a subsequent Council meeting,” Owoseni added.
The state government reiterated that security is a collective responsibility and called on all residents to play their part in safeguarding the state from criminal elements.
The press briefing was attended by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Abiodun Aikomo; Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodele Sonubi; Comptroller of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CC Jaiyeoba Babafemi; and Comptroller of Immigration Services, Joseph Dada.