The Ekiti State Government has said that the increase in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state after the withdrawal of military personnel from checkpoints across the state is sadning.
In a statement on Sunday signed by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, the Deputy Governor called on the military to look for more alternative means of preventing men of the underworld from perpetrating their nefarious activities.
Egbeyemi made the call at a church service to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day which took place at the Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
The Deputy Governor spoke in response to the remarks of the Brigade Commander of the Nigerian Army 323 Artillery Regiment, Akure, Brig.-Gen. James Ataguba, that “the soldiers were withdrawn from checkpoints to more fluid areas to enable them respond swiftly to any case of insecurity reported to them.”
Egbeyemi said, “the General was saying they removed them (army) from the road, we know the impact of removing them from the road.
“I pray that you have a better alternative. Immediately you removed your men from the road the kidnappers started operating.
“Although we have been assured that the alternative you will provide will be far more better.
Alluding to the security measures obtainable in other countries, Egbeyemi urged them to take cue from their strategies to rid the country of kidnappers and criminals.
“In Nigeria, the security system is not as it is in the abroad, you must have gone out to some of these countries. And those of us who have been to Britain, American and China, you must have seen military men in the market and everywhere watching over the people.
“We should imbibe the same spirit to make sure that we are safe. We need to keep Nigeria one by making sure they are safe.”
The Deputy Governor emphasized on the need to remember the fallen heroes and take proper care of those presently serving in the military.
Earlier his remarks, Brig.-Gen. Ataguba said the effectiveness of the army would only be ascertained by the prompt information given to them by the citizenry.
The one-star general called on the people of the State to desist from shielding people of questionable characters and criminal elements in the society.
Commenting on the success of Nigerian Military in other countries like Liberia, Sierra Leone and in Sudan, Ataguba said the military would not rest on its oars until the security challenges in the country was finally laid to rest.
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