By Michael Ofulue

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Effective synergy between security agencies and the state security network codenamed Amotekun would help to solve crime-related issues in Ondo state.
The newly re-appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo said this while reacting to the recent directive of the Governor mandating the local government chairmen to form vigilante operatives in their council areas.
Dojumo said the Governor’s directives to the council chairmen was for the overall interest of peace and security of the state as formation of vigilante groups would further help strengthen the security of the state.
He added that the vigilante groups would work together with the Amotekun and the police, adding that effective synergy is the best way of tackling crime and criminality in the state.
According to the SSA, Police who are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining law and order would perform better, if Amotekun and local vigilantes compliment their efforts, saying the job of effective crime detection, control and prevention is for all and sundry.
His words: “The Governor is very passionate about the security of the state and has taken it as his major cardinal objective and priority.
“This is the reason why he had mandated the council chairmen to constitute or form vigilante groups in their respective communities and localities.
“We as a government is taking every step necessary to guarantee the safety of lives and property of all and sundry.
“The government is doing its part and we enjoined everybody to support the efforts of the government because security is paramount to development.
“Any responsible government in a democratic society who failed to address the issue bordering on security is bound to fail because no investor or business will thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. “he stated
He explained that the marching order and directive of the governor given to Local Government bosses are already being implemented just as he said all efforts are geared towards solving crime especially kidnapping, armed robbery among others.
“With the recent security architecture put in place in the state, criminality would be a thing of the past. I want to urge the general public to always assist the security agencies and local vigilante operatives with useful information that would help bring crime to the barest minimum.
It would be recalled that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN had earlier this year, given a vacation order to all Fulani herdsmen operating in Ondo state forest to leave or be apprehended.
The vacation order generated some reactions from some individuals from the northern part of the country but the Governor was commended and applauded for his position and stand on solving crime issues in South west and Ondo state in particular.
Dojumo, however said there has been relatively peace in the state, just as he commended security agencies and Amotekun Corps for their resilience in nipping crime in the bud.