Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has put the Nigerian Army on red alert over the regrouping of militants in some parts of the state. Amosun gave this hint yesterday while playing host to the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Ebenezer Babtunde Oyefolu, in his Oke-Mosan office, Abeokuta.

Amosun, who recalled how militants sacked various communities last June, said they have started regrouping in Ijebu Ode and Ogere areas. The governor, who lauded the military for its efforts in combatting the deadly Boko Haram group in the North-East, assured that his administration would do everything necessary to combat the regrouping of militants.

He said: “Everybody would agree that we are winning the war, people are returning home, areas that were under the control of Boko Haram are now free and people are going back home. So, huge commendation goes to the military.

“Not too long ago, we had issues with these criminals – I don’t call them militants, they are just criminals, who took over all our riverine areas – we ran to Mr. President and all service chiefs were invited and debriefed and they were sent away.

“But let me sound another note now, what we are hearing is that they are regrouping, they have moved from where they were sent away from, they are now moving very close to Ijebu Ode towards Ogeere.

“Before now, they were in Arepo, Sagamu, Ikorodu, but they have been sent away, what they are now doing is regrouping and taking hostages around border areas of Ogun State. They are relocating there; it is a very good avenue for me to inform you, but we would be ready for them and it is good that I am putting you on notice.”

Amosun also commended security operatives in the state, saying the challenge at the beginning of his administration was combated. According to him, government’s investment in the area of security has paid off with the state hosting over 100 industries.

“I want to thank you sincerely, indeed before we came, security was a serious challenge, maybe it is still here, but not as pronounced and that shows the level of combative activities in the state. “We are creating an enabling environment for industries to strive and one of the key things before anybody would want to invest is security, but we have to do more, especially in the area of kidnapping that is rearing its ugly head now, hardly would a week or a month pass without an incident, we know it is the sign of the times but we must be ready and be ahead of them,” he said.

Earlier, Major-General Oyefolu commended the state government for supporting the Nigerian Army, adding that security should be the business of everybody in the society.

He appealed to the governor to extend his empowerment programmes to officers in the state, adding that the barracks is becoming deplorable for officers to live in. (Nigerian Pilot)

•Photo shows Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, playing host to the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Ebenezer Babtunde Oyefolu, on Tuesday in his Oke-Mosan office, Abeokuta.

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