•Solicits information support for police
IN response to the unfortunate bank robbery incident that left many security operatives and innocent individuals dead in Offa, Kwara state, the Oyo State Security Trust Fund has again called on the attention of the people of Oyo state not to leave the task of security of lives and property solely in the hands of the government but support same by reporting suspected criminal activities promptly to the security operatives.
While calling on the people to always avail the security operatives particularly the police, information that can help nip criminal activities in the bud, the agency says people must be ready and willing to partner with and support the government effort in the interest of sustaining peace.
The agency made the call while informing journalists of its plans to refurbish and repair security operatives vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) as well as complete the installations of Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in some crisis-prone areas in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Monday at the Onireke office of the agency after the meeting of the members of the board of the agency, the Executive Secretary of OYSSTF, Mr Femi Oyedipe said the latest release is the third phase of the agency support initiative to bolster the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.
Lamenting the high number of victims of the Offa bank robbery incident, Oyedipe wondered why such innocent people had to pay with their lives, insisting that the security agencies must be supported with valuable information about criminals and their activities, among others.
The OYSSTF Chief who did not disclosed the amount approved by the Board also said disclosing the areas the CCTV are being installed would be a direct information for criminals to know how to avoid such areas and perpetrate their crimes elsewhere.
His words, “the money released is to improve the security architecture of the state in the wake of recent Offa robbery incidents that left scores of security and civilians killed. The Trust Fund did the Phase 1 of Police vehicles repairs in August 2017, when 20 vehicles were added to the fleet of Operation Burst Vehicles.
“The Phase 2 held in December 2017 with the refurbishing of faulty vehicles for all security agencies in Oyo State. The latest release of funds is for the phase 3, which aims to buy and refurbish police Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), patrol vehicles, and complement the state government initiatives in the completion of CCTV installations.
“The Board of Trustees of OYSSTF met on Friday, April 13, 2018, and it was agreed that all hands must be on deck in ensuring security is not left alone for government to fund, especially in the wake of the unfortunate bank robbery incident at Offa, Kwara state, where many lives were lost.
Oyo Security Trust Fund boss charges residents to report unusual activities
“It was sad that such a number of policemen could die in an incident occurring at a peacetime. We, therefore, called in all citizens to report any suspicious movement around them because the security agencies are to be supported by providing valuable information on criminals”.
The Executive Secretary, however assured that the Board will continue to support every government initiative in ensuring that the state remains safe for all, particularly with the recently released funds, which he said would enable the security agencies to increase their operational fleet as well as ensuring that their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) are functional.
