By Samuel Adegoke
The indigenes of Oke-Ogun under the aegis of Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF) have called on the government and traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State to step up action against criminals wrecking havoc in the area.
ODCF made the call in a statement at the weekend following terrorism scare and growing settlement of Fulani community which it likens to Ruga in the area.
While congratulating the Alamodu of Ago-Amodu, Oba Johnson Olaoye on his recent coronation, ODCF urged him to work with other monarchs in the area to rid the various communities of criminals.
The statement read in part: “The spate of insecurity and attack on innocent people of the area are on the increase in recent times as typified by the armed attack on the First Bank in Okeho, kidnap incidents in Okaka, Otu and in Kisi/Igbeti axis. Thus, Oba Olaoye assumed office at a challenging time as far as security is concerned.”
ODCF expressed the hope that Oyo State Government, the Federal Government and security agencies, including Amotekun Corps, will tap from the experiences and knowledge of the monarchs and local hunters in the area “to quickly put an end to what has been threatening the peaceful coexistence as well as socio-economic activities of our people in recent times.”
The body called attention of the government and the monarchs to a Ruga-like settlement building up around Baasi/Alaga axis in Atisbo Local Government area of the state.
“Information at our disposal indicated that a particular creed from the northern part of the country, notably the Fulani, has formed a settlement in the said place. There is the fear that the security of the area may further be in jeopardy in the near future considering the way these people built their structures. The nature of these structures is such that it is exclusively for them with the implication that no one could determine what is going on within the community.” ODCF said.
It added that going by the spate of banditry that has been reported in the zone and the identity of culprits as described by victims after their ordeals, the budding Ruga-like settlements in Baasi/Alaga area should be put under watch if not disbanded.
The socio-cultural organisation, while wishing the new Alamodu long reign, challenged the obas in the area, the government as well as security agencies to do more in protecting lives and property in the area.
The new Alamodu of Ago Amodu, headquarters of Saki East Local Government, received the staff of office on Saturday, September 19, 2020, from Governor Seyi Makinde.
