Ibarapa group scores Makinde low on tackling insecurity

*As gov accuses journalists of stoking ethnic tension

STEPHEN GBADAMOSI, IBADAN

A community development group in Oyo State, Ibarapa Development Forum (IDF), has raised the alarm over the insecurity in Ibarapa region of the state, accusing Governor Seyi Makinde of performing below par.

This is just as the governor, on Wednesday, accused some journalists of stoking ethnic tension with their reportage of security issues in the state.

IDF spoke in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday night, while the governor spoke in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday.

The group described the performance of the state governor regarding security as below par.

“The recent happenings in Ibarapa, especially Ibarapa Central and North local government areas, should be a great concern for everyone who is development driven.

“The gory stories of killings, maiming, kidnappings and invasions within the region vis-a-vis the lethargy and lukewarm cum diplomatic disposition of government and its agencies at all levels to the security of the region has given rise to self-help.

“With the sudden surge of insecurity in the region, one would have expected any government that prides itself as people-oriented to have left no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of lives and properties.

“It is high time Governor Seyi Makinde realised that the major regions as well as the minor ones deserve equal attention and Ibarapa region must not be treated as a negligible region, when it comes to security and infrastructural development.

“So far, the region could hardly see the presence of the government in and this largely contributes to the current state of affairs in the agrarian region.”

But the governor, during his broadcast, alleged that some stories in the media were targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

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While noting that he would not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individual who tried to disrupt the peace of the state, he assured that his administration would continue to take all necessary steps to protect residents from harassment, thuggery and banditry.

Acknowledging the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in the state, Makinde encouraged the leadership of the police to continue to collaborate with his administration to secure Oyo State.

“The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state.

“Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

“However, we cannot overlook the fact that there have, indeed, been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened.

Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.”