Engineer Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State on Monday raised the alarm that bandits fleeing military onslaught in the North-West are coming down to Oyo for refuge.
Speaking at the 2025 annual inter-faith service for workers held at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde, however, assured residents of his government’s determined effort to smoke out the bandits and eliminate them.
“The year 2024 was challenging, particularly in terms of safety and security,” Makinde said. “We had incidents of fire outbreaks, armed robberies, and kidnappings. However, in 2025, we will redouble our efforts to address these issues.”
Makinde noted that the ongoing military operations in the North-West, including aerial bombardments of bandit hideouts, had forced many criminals to seek refuge in other states, including Oyo.
“During a security briefing this morning, I learned that some bad elements from the North-West are relocating here due to military heat in their zones. But we will find and deal with them,” he vowed.
Reflecting on personal experiences, Makinde recalled a recent encounter: “During my birthday retreat in Fashola, bandits had camped less than two kilometres from where I was staying. This underscores the seriousness of the situation.”
He commended security operatives in the state for their dedication and called on traditional rulers and residents to report any suspicious activity.
“To our traditional rulers, who are custodians of your domains, and to all residents, this is no joke. If you see suspicious movements, report them immediately. For us in Oyo, bandits will have no foothold. I will not sleep until every inch of this state is safe,” Makinde declared.
Addressing the tragic stampede at Islamic High School, Bashorun, which claimed the lives of 35 children in December, Makinde promised that those responsible would face justice.
“Some people have told me that similar incidents in Anambra and the FCT did not result in prosecutions. My response is simple: Oyo State is not Anambra or the FCT. Justice must prevail here,” he said.
Makinde clarified that while he was not opposed to bail for suspects, he expected the judicial process to proceed unhindered.
“If the judiciary grants bail pending trial, I have no objection. But the suspects must stand trial. Even if other states ignore the rule of law, Oyo State will dare to be different,” he said.
On workers’ welfare, Makinde promised to finalise negotiations for pensioners’ minimum wage and arrears.
“We’ve negotiated the minimum wage and consequential adjustments for workers, but we are yet to conclude for pensioners. I assure you, this will be resolved this week,” he said.
In her address, the state’s Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, lauded the governor for his worker-friendly policies and urged civil servants to remain diligent.
Similarly, goodwill messages from Speaker of the state House of Assembly Adebo Ogundoyin (represented by Deputy Speaker Abiodun Fadeyi), NLC Chairman Comrade Kayode Martins, and TUC Chairman Comrade Bosun Olabiyi, commended Makinde’s commitment to workers’ welfare and urged him to sustain the momentum.
Credit: punchng.com
