By John Dike
The Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for the establishment of a trans-regional security taskforce to curtail growing cross border criminality in the South West.
He made the call while playing host to the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro, during a courtesy visit paid on him
The GOC who led members of his team among whom included Engineering Construction Regiment, Ede Army Barrack, Brig. Gen. K F Sulaimon among others said the visit was part of efforts to familiarize himself with the operational procedures in the state under his command.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the visit as very significant and a great opportunity to strengthen the security strategy on the sustenance of the current peace and stability in the region which included Osun state.
The statement stated that Adeleke, called for the establishment of a regional task force to track and curb cross border criminality in the south west and other areas under his Command.
While calling for a symbiotic working relationship between the state government and the GOC, Adeleke assured the military team that Osun is the home of hospitality where no one is discriminated against based on tribe, ethnicity or religion.
The governor lauded the commander of Engineering Construction Regiment, Ede Army Barrack, Brig. Gen. K F Sulaimon for a wonderful job in securing the state saying that the knowledge of the military barrack in Ede was enough deterrent to criminals who might be scouting for a place to perpetuate their criminal activities.
In his remarks, Major General Okoro lauded the state governor for creating a safe and secure environment for residents to live and conduct lawful businesses.
According to him, Osun is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria and therefore commended the governor for his huge investment in securing lives and property of the people.
Okoro described Osun as lucky with the presence of the Engineering Construction Command, Ede, which is full of all sorts of Army engineers, specialists and combatants that contribute to security architecture of the state.
He commended the government and people of Osun State for creating a stable and secured environment.
