Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has engaged a private security firm to protect farmers in the state against incessant attacks.
The private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, was contracted by the governor to strengthen the security within the state’s forests.
In its operation in the state, the firm will collaborate with the State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies towards flushing out those with criminal tendencies from the forest reserves.
Disclosing this in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, the Chairman of the security company, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, stated that the move became imperative following the outcry of farmers over attacks on them and their farmlands by those suspected to be herders.
Ogunbodede, who was represented by the company’s Operations Manager, Mr. Debo Ariyo, during the security awareness tour in the local government, emphasised that Aiyedatiwa was determined to combat any issue that might be a threat to the food security of the state.
He said, “The state governor (Aiyedatiwa) wants food to be available for all in the state; that is why he has to protect farmers in their farmlands across the state through us, the Global Olabod Resources Limited.
“We are coordinating all security agencies in the state in implementing this initiative and in achieving great success for the benefit of all and sundry. Mr. Governor wants the farmers to have assurance that they are safe and their farms are safe as well.
“We have kick-started the process, and that is why we are here so that we can carry you along in full implementation of this initiative. We are creating this awareness and sensitisation so that farmers will not be scared when they see security personnel in their areas.
“We have been to the Idanre Forest Reserve, Akure/Ofosu Forest Reserve, and Ala Government Forest Reserve, all in the Southern Senatorial District. Later, we will get to other senatorial districts as well.”
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Mr. Gbenga Atiba, maintained that the firm will also enumerate and ascertain the number of farmers within the state’s forest reserves.
While emphasising that the firm will carry out the assignment along with other security agencies, Atiba said, “The company is engaged to enumerate the farmers living in the forest reserves.
“We want to flush out hoodlums that do attack them in collaboration with Amotekun and other security agencies in the state. If we do this, there would be surplus food because farmers would go to their farms without any fear or threat.”
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