Insecurity: Aiyedatiwa backs military formation in Ifon

…pledges support for land

* Community seeks restoration of water, electricity, return of courts

By Tolulope Eniola

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has pledged support for the establishment of a Nigerian Army brigade in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area, to tackle insecurity, while promising to look into the community’s requests for improved water supply, electricity, roads and judicial services.

Aiyedatiwa gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation from Ifon, Ose local government area of the state led by High Chief Dr Olufemi Awani, at his office in Akure.

The governor described the requests as genuine, saying they concerned basic needs required to make life more bearable and meaningful for the people.

“If you talk about security, it’s very, very important. That is the number one thing and for us, we don’t take it lightly,” he said.

He said security remained a priority under his administration’s OUR EASE agenda, explaining that the “O” stood for order, security and the rule of law.

Aiyedatiwa identified Ifon and its environs as security flashpoints in Ondo Central Senatorial District, recalling the challenges previously experienced around Elegbeka, Agemo and Arimogija.

He said the state government had established a permanent security outpost following repeated incidents, adding that the facility had helped reduce the influx of criminals and bandits into the state.

However, he said the outpost had operational limitations because its personnel were not permitted to carry the sophisticated weapons required to confront some criminal elements.

The governor said the state government had continued to work with the military, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the police to strengthen security operations.

He also cited a recent operation against an ISWAP leader identified as Abubakar and some of his men as a major security success, saying the operation received support from the Department of State Services and people of foreign background from Great Britain.

On the proposed military formation, Aiyedatiwa pledged his full support, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had announced plans to expand military bases in different parts of the country.

He disclosed that leaders from Akoko North-East had also approached him with a similar request, adding that both areas were in senatorial districts facing serious security challenges.

The governor said retired military officers would help determine the most suitable location for the proposed formation, assuring the delegation that the state government would explore the provision of land if required.

He recalled that Ikare had a military barracks many years ago, including during the Nigerian Civil War, but that it was subsequently closed following personnel shortages.

Aiyedatiwa said some structures associated with the barracks remained, adding that retired generals had approached the government to seek support for its revival.

He said land was available in Akure and that the local government chairman had confirmed this.

On water supply, Aiyedatiwa said his administration was prioritising major areas for intervention because of limited financial and human resources.

He said the government was seeking to provide interim relief to communities pending the implementation of major water projects.

He explained that substantial funds had already been committed to an ongoing water project involving the laying of pipes in some areas, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of his tenure.

On electricity, the governor acknowledged that several communities faced power supply challenges, citing his own local government area, where some communities had been without electricity for more than 20 years.

He said the Niger Delta Development Commission had constructed a 42KVA power transmission station, which the government had leveraged to extend electricity to the area.

Aiyedatiwa promised to examine Ifon’s electricity needs, adding that the Ondo State House of Assembly had passed a law enabling the state to participate in electricity generation, regulation and distribution.

He said the government would seek private investors to develop power infrastructure, noting that the state could not provide all the required infrastructure on its own.

On access to justice, the governor expressed concern that the High Court, Magistrate Court and Customary Court had been relocated from Ifon because of security concerns, forcing residents to travel to Akure to access judicial services.

He promised to raise the matter with the Chief Judge and explore ways to facilitate the return of judicial officers, noting that the improved security situation could encourage them to resume duties in the community.

Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the poor condition of some roads in the area, including those in Ijebu, saying the Commissioner for Works was aware of the situation.

Earlier, Awani described Ifon as a security red-flag zone, citing its proximity to Edo State and the activities of suspected criminals in its forests.

He said the proposed military formation followed the Nigerian Army’s territorial reorganisation, under which two brigades were proposed for the southern part of the country, with Ifon identified as a possible location.

According to him, Army personnel visited the community in October to inspect the proposed site, prompting the delegation to seek the state government’s support.

Awani said forests in the area had been taken over by herdsmen and people masquerading as farmers, making a permanent military presence imperative.

He appealed to the governor to make a firm commitment to the project, provide land for the proposed formation and facilitate the return of Army personnel to their duty posts in Ifon.

On water supply, Awani said Ifon’s waterworks had been vandalised and remained non-functional for more than 20 years.

He explained that the area’s water table made hand-dug wells ineffective, leaving residents dependent on boreholes that could not adequately serve the population.

On electricity, he said Ifon had been without power for more than three years and appealed for its restoration.

Awani also disclosed that the three courts had been relocated from Ifon because of security concerns. He said the community had renovated the buildings housing them but judicial staff had yet to be deployed to resume operations.

He appealed for the rehabilitation of roads in the area, including the Amuroa roads, while acknowledging ongoing government projects and urging that the interventions be extended to Ifon.

Awani thanked the governor for granting the delegation an opportunity to present the community’s concerns despite his tight schedule.

The delegation also reaffirmed its support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Kayode Ajulo; and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Amidu Takuro.