In order to tackle the rising insecurity in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji has ordered chairmen of local governments and local council development areas to convene monthly security council meetings.
This order was given during a security meeting held with all council chairmen and heads of security agencies in the state.
During the meeting, Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among local government chairmen to combat security challenges effectively. He expressed concern over the lack of coordination among neighboring local governments and highlighted the need for joint efforts in sharing intelligence and allocating responsibilities to avoid duplication of efforts.
Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji disclosed plans to increase security votes for local governments facing significant challenges and announced the implementation of monthly Security Council meetings as a prerequisite for accessing these funds. He stressed that the meetings would include statutory members such as chairmen of the council of traditional rulers, security chiefs, and a representative of the state government, with resolutions to be signed by all attendees and submitted to his office.
Additionally, the governor revealed intentions to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to establish a strategic security toll-free line. This line will serve as a platform for residents to provide genuine intelligence to security agencies promptly.
Governor Oyebanji urged the local government chairmen to ensure the effectiveness of these security measures and warned that failure to comply with the directive would result in withholding of security votes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Ekiti State.