By Adeyinka Adeniran
Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has praised the efforts of the Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun for arresting over 114 people found wandering in the forests across the state.
Describing the efforts as gallantry, Iba Adams, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kehinde Aderemi, said the news of the recent arrest of bandits in the state is a confirmation of the lacuna in the security architectures of the country.
He said the forests across Southwest is vulnerable with the influx of bandits in the region.
The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that the Ondo State Amotekun has further exposed the security deficit in the Southwest, insisting that now is the time to safeguard the forests in the region.
“I said it about three years ago that bandits have invaded our forests between Owo and boundary of Kogi.
“I raised the alarm then but with evidences that many of the bandits or illegal inhabitants in our forests have some powerful people that have been sponsoring them in their banditry.
“I raised the alarm so that we can flush out the illegal inhabitants. But with the gallant efforts of the Ondo State Amotekun, I think it is time for us to address the spate of insecurity in the region.
“I commend the Ondo State Amotekun for their efforts, however, the corps had done the best by arresting the illegal inhabitants across the forest.
“There is need for us to protect our forests against illegal inhabitants.
“In my view, all states that have Amotekun should commission a forest guards department that will be protecting our forests and keep bandits away from our forests. They should be on guard, 24 hours a day, to ensure that the forests are secured.
“The enemies within give food to the bandits and once they are fed, they come out of the forests to perpetrate evil in the region.
Iba Adams, while restating the need to address the security situation in the region, said he is ready to partner with all the six governors in ensuring that the Southwest region is safe.
“With the success recorded by the Ondo State Amotekun, I am saying it again that we are ready to support the government security agencies, including the Amotekun in our efforts to get rid of terrorists and bandits in our forests.
