From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has vowed that any operative of the Oyo Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, found to be abusing his office will face the full wrath of the law.
He gave the warning in a statement he issued via his Twitter handle, @seyiamakinde, which was also made available to journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, on Friday.
The tweet followed a recent occurrence in Tapa town in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state, where three persons were feared dead during a battle between the Amotekun Corps and some youth in the town that wanted to stage a carnival beyond 10p.m.
Makinde stated that the alleged highhandedness of the Amotekun corps has come to his attention, adding that his government has launched investigation into the alleged abuses.
The issues, according to him, will be addressed squarely in the interest of the security and wellbeing of residents of the state.
He reassured the residents of the state that the administration is doing everything it could to address security challenges in the state.
His words: “Following the recent events in Tapa, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, it becomes imperative that I once again reassure the good people of Oyo State that our administration is doing everything in its power to address security issues in our state.
“One of the strategies we are using to check insecurity in the state is the recently introduced Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun). I am fully aware of the alleged highhandedness by some members of the corps. We are investigating these issues to address them promptly.
“The welfare and security of the good people of Oyo State remain our top priority. We will not sit back and watch any harassment or intimidation of members of the public or our security officers.
“Therefore, I urge the good people of Oyo State to please remain calm and allow members of the corps to perform their legally authorised duties for our people’s well-being. Let me assure you that if any corps members are abusing their office, they will be dealt with accordingly.”