By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Amotekun commander advocates for state policing to tackle criminality
The Chairman of Council of Amotekun Corps commanders in the South West, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, emphasized the need for state policing to combat criminal activities effectively. Speaking at a lecture titled ‘Breaking the Barriers to a Secured Society’ in Ado-Ekiti, he urged regional governors to prioritize local and grassroots policing to address security challenges.
Adeleye commended the support of South West governors for the operations of the South West Security Network and called for cooperation from stakeholders, including traditional rulers and residents, in providing timely information on suspicious activities.
He highlighted the limitations of existing security agencies in addressing kidnappings, killings, and other crimes due to bureaucracy and other factors. Adeleye stressed that crimes are often perpetrated within communities, emphasizing the importance of local and grassroots security networks.
According to Adeleye, empowering local security initiatives like Amotekun would complement the efforts of modern security agencies and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the people.
Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, noting investments in the state’s security network and the establishment of joint border patrols and intelligence sharing with neighboring states.
The chairman of NUJ in Ekiti state, Kayode Babatuyi, praised Adeleye for delivering the lecture and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, security agencies, and the community to address criminal elements in the state.
Amotekun commander, State Policing.