Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday declared that there is no record of successful bank robbery in the state since his assumption of office in May 2011.
Ajimobi made this declaration while speaking at a security summit held with security chiefs and head of banks in the state.
The summit, held in Ibadan, the state capital, was organised by the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF) in order to relate with stakeholders in the security sector in order to forestall bank robberies which were incessantly witnessed in neighbouring states in recent times.
The summit was attended by the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Odude, representative of the GOC of 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air force, Nigeria Customs and NSCDC and bank chiefs in the state.
Ajimobi, while speaking, attributed the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state to the zero tolerance for crime by the present administration which culminated in the establishment of Oyo State Joint Security Patrol Squad code-named “Operation Burst” as well as the setting up of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF).
The Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, maintained that since the inception of his administration, there had not been any case of successful armed robbery in the state.
He pointed out that his government was anticipatory and proactive in order to prevent the trend in the neighbouring states.
Ajimobi said, “This meeting has been convened in reaction to an observation of a noticeable increase in the activities of criminals in neighbouring States, especially attacks on our banks.
“In line with these observations, the State Government believes that an anticipatory approach is needed to counter/forestall any such happenings in Oyo State.
“It is with pride that I can inform you that there has been no successful armed robbery incident in any bank in Oyo State since our assumption and we are intent on keeping the status quo.”
The Governor also disclosed that the CCTVs are now operational in black spots of the state as well as business districts of Ibadan.
He disclosed further that the state government will continue to support security agencies in the state to achieve their primary functions in realisation that where there is peace, there will be development.
Ajimobi concluded by appealing to the participants to support the government especially during the festive period and the next general elections.
Chairman, Oyo State Security Trust Fund, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said it is imperative for the stakeholders in the security to come together and forestall the operations of men of the underworld.
Adelabu, who spoke though the Executive Secretary of the Trust Fund, Mr Femi Oyedipe, enjoined all the stakeholders to support the scheme to achieve security of lives and property of the people.
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