THE Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed that security remains the foremost focus of his administration, pledging continued protection of lives and property across the state.
The governor gave the assurance yesterday while addressing residents of Ose, Owo and Akure North Local Government Areas during a tour of the councils.
He said security forms a core pillar of his administration’s EASE agenda, noting that security agencies have been placed on high alert to safeguard all communities.
Aiyedatiwa warned that criminal activities, particularly in border communities, would not be tolerated, assuring residents that the government would not abandon them to insecurity.
His remarks come months after suspected bandits attacked several communities in Akure North Local Government Area, including Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor and Ademekun, where more than 20 people were reportedly killed.
The governor said the establishment of an Amotekun Rangers camp and the deployment of operatives had significantly curtailed criminal activities in the affected areas, enabling farmers and traders to resume their daily activities without fear.
He added that the improved security situation had helped rebuild public confidence and strengthened trust between the government and the people.
Explaining the purpose of his statewide tour, Aiyedatiwa said it was aimed at bringing governance closer to the grassroots, appreciating residents for their support and highlighting completed and ongoing projects across the state’s 18 local government areas.
With Christmas less than nine days away, he noted that the visit would also provide an opportunity to distribute palliatives to residents as a gesture of goodwill.
The governor further assured residents of Ose Local Government Area that rehabilitation of their dilapidated roads would commence soon.
He added that interventions such as improved electricity supply, school shuttle buses and other social programmes were outcomes of reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu, which he said had enhanced the state’s capacity to execute development projects.