The security initiative to stem the state of insecurity in the South West area of the country, Operation Amotekun, will be launched today.
The initiative was conceived following the state of insecurity which escalated in the South West last year.
The insecurity claimed many lives, including that of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of the leader of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
The six states in the South West of the country are involved.
All necessary equipment, including vehicles, are said to have been provided for the smooth take off of the operation which will be launched in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
“Before now, we had prepared ground for the launch. We acquired the vehicles which are fully branded and equipped with communication gadgets.
“A helipad to assist the security agents for air surveillance is about 97 per cent completed. The personnel have also been recruited,” said Mr. Ismail Omipidan, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State.
An excited Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria, DAWN, Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, also confirmed the commencement of operation, starting from Thursday.
The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adams, who also spoke on the initiative expressed excitement.
His words: “I can tell you authoritatively that Yoruba people are happy with this initiative. Whoever criticises Amotekun is either a sadist or a person without value. Anybody that is against this initiative is an enemy of the South West; and if anything untowards should happen in this region, such a person should be held responsible.”
“Amotekun is not the real state police we are asking for but I just see it as a temporary means of tackling crimes in the South West.
“Ordinarily, we agitate for state police but if we don’t have state police now, something has to be done because state police can bring issues that may lead to an amendment to the Constitution. But a security outfit that will be controlled by the state governments is highly needed now,” he added.
He stressed that the initiative required the co-operation of all.
According to him, “we have to support them (governors). Once this is launched, you will see that within one month, criminals will retreat because the South-West will no longer be a safe haven for them.”
