Bayo Wahab

<h1>Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says his administration is set to inaugurate the South-West security outfit codenamed Amotekun Corps in Yewa area of the state.&nbsp;</h1>

The governor said his administration decided to launch the security outfit first in Yewa because of the peculiar problems in the area including herdsmen attacks.

Abiodun said this on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office at Oke-Mosan in Abeokuta, the state capital.

He said, “Our Amotekun will soon be launched and because of the peculiar problem that we find ourselves in Yewa, we are launching the Yewa Amotekun first, we want it to be clear that we are tackling this problem frontally.

“The recruitment for Amotekun in Yewaland is almost done. I know that the recruitment process took into consideration people who are from the immediate corridor, who know the terrain very well, that is the principle of Amotekun.

“We are not going to include someone to work in Amotekun in Oja-Odan, who is from Ado-Odo-Ota; all those that will work in the corridor are those who know the area very well.”

In January 2020, South-West governors<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/3-south-west-governors-absent-as-region-launches-amotekun/b5he89d"> launched Amotekun Corps </a>to address security challenges in the region.&nbsp;

Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun. [Twitter/@dapoabiodun]

Abiodun says he wants it to be clear that his administration is tackling insecurity in Ogun frontally.

Herdsmen: Ogun Govt set to inaugurate Amotekun in Yewaland

News Agency Of Nigeria

<h1>The Ekiti Government, on Sunday said it was not taking anything to chance in 2021 addressing the growing insecurity in the state, particularly kidnapping.</h1>

It therefore voted N1.4billion for the State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, in its 2021 budget.

The Commissioner for Budget, Mr Femi Ajayi made this known at a press conference in Ado Ekiti where he gave the detailed analysis of the N109.666 budget passed by the state legislative and recently assented to by Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that Fayemi had on Dec. 23, 2020, assented to the budgetary provision, christened “Budget of Recovery and Economic Restoration”, comprising N58. 4 billion for recurrent and N51.6 billion for capital expenditures .

Ajayi said that the priority to security was in a bid to further attract investment and ensure safety of all investors and residents.

”Following the incessant security challenges which include kidnapping, herders/farmers clashes, robberies in the country, to ensure the security of lives and properties, Governor Kayode Fayemi inaugurated the Ekiti State Security Trust Fund coined ‘Amotekun’ in collaboration with other South-Western States on 19th October, 2020.

“A sum of N1.44 billion has been earmarked as capital allocation for Amotekun Corps. For procurement of Drones for surveillance, a sum of N550 million has been earmarked while a total of N320 million will be spent on safety city project and the Ekiti State Security Trust Fund will gulp a sum of N55 million,” the commissioner said.

He said that government had also earmarked a total of N8 billion to critical areas of social services, to include the education sector, health, gender empowerment, social security and other pivotal sub-sectors critical to the growth of the state’s economy.

To fund the budget, Ajayi said that a total of N29.6 billion was expected from the federation account, N8.4 billion raised from Internally Generated revenue including taxes and other fees while N4.5 billion would be generated from tertiary institutions, including other sundry sources.

The Commissioner stated that the budget was tailored towards resetting the economy to rise to COVID-19 challenges and open a new vista in the fight against poverty, engendering of industrial growth and agribusiness.

He said a sum of N2.4 billion had been budgeted to start off the recently approved Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology while a total of N677million was earmarked for the new school of Commercial Agriculture, Isan Ekiti.

Ajayi said that in consideration for human capital development and equality of all genders, the state proposed to hold a Gender Summit and a N35 million had been budgeted for the project.

The commissioner also said that N20 million would be spent on construction of a Family Court to attend to family issues,” timeously”.

On urban renewal development , Ajayi said a sum of N250 million was to be expended on the Master Plan of Ado Ekiti and Satellite Towns while a sum of N4.5 million would be spent on ecological programme called NEWMAP.

On sports, he said bout N116 million was voted for youth and sports development, out of which N30 million has been set aside for the upgrade of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.

Also, N15.2 million would be used for the construction of a multipurpose sports hall in Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, while government also allocated N79.2 million and another N15million to the Ekiti United Football Club and Ekiti Queens FC respectively.

He assured that the present administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the full implementation of the 2021 Budget.

“This is in fulfilment of the pact signed with the good people of the State, this can only be feasible when we as good citizens perform our civic responsibilities in ensuring payment of taxes and other levies to improve the revenue accruable to the Government”, he said.

The state government says the priority to security was in a bid to further attract investment and ensure safety of all investors and residents.

Ekiti Govt sets aside N1.4bn for Amotekun to tackle insecurity

<h1>Seven people have reportedly been killed during a clash between men of the Oyo State Security Network Agency better known as Operation Amotekun and herdsmen at Aiyete in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.</h1>

According to Punch, the fight started at Okebi village in the morning of Saturday, January 9, 2021.&nbsp;

A resident of the area, who gave his name as Saliu told the newspaper that seven people had been killed.&nbsp;

Saliu also said that several houses had been burnt, adding that no one knew the cause of the fight yet.&nbsp;

He said, “Alhaji Usman Okebi and his two sons were killed. We don’t know what caused the fight. Some persons were shot and injured.

“The number of people killed has increased to seven. Those who were shot and ran away later died in the bush.”

Another source, who spoke to the newspaper said the clash was between the Amotekun corps and herdsmen.

The Commandant of Amotekun in Oyo State, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd), when contacted told Punch that he was on his way to the area to ascertain what happened.&nbsp;

The Amotekun Corps was launched as a security outfit for each state in the South-West region was launched  (Autojosh)

A source said some people who ran away with gun wounds later died in the bush.

7 feared dead, several houses razed as Amotekun and herdsmen clash in Oyo

<h1>Due to the recent controversies surrounding the operations of the South-West Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has said that efforts must be made to ensure the security outfit does not become another Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force.&nbsp;</h1>

There have been allegations of recklessness and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/metro/amotekun-denies-killing-ui-student-says-the-decease-was-an-armed-robber/f8srptm">extrajudicial killings against operatives of the security outfit</a>, especially in Oyo State recently.

But while speaking on Saturday, January 9, 2021, on a programme on Arise TV, Soyinka said Amotekun corps need to be trained to understand the essence of their job.&nbsp;

He said Amotekun operatives must be trained on ethics so that they don’t become brutal and ruthless like men of the defunct police unit.&nbsp;

He said, “I have told them anytime you want us to come and assist, we will come even if it is just on the ethical session so that as you are training them to defend us, we are also training their minds so that Amotekun does not become another SARS, very important. We must do everything together.”

While Amotekun operatives have started operations in Ondo and Oyo state, Soyinka urges other states in the South-West region that are yet to launch their security outfits to do so quickly as the challenge of insecurity has reached a “stage of desperation”.

Prof Wole Soyinka the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986.  (PremiumTimes)

Soyinka says Amotekun operatives must be trained on ethics so that they don’t become brutal and ruthless like SARS.

Soyinka says Amotekun must not become another SARS

<h1>The Oyo State Security Network Agency, aka Amotekun, in collaboration with a group of hunters in the state have dislodged some herdsmen from the Opara Forest Reserve and the Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme Forest on Christmas eve.</h1>

In a statement by the Information Officer of Amotekun in Oyo State, Mrs Ayolola Adedoja, the chairman of Chairman of Amotekun Corps, Gen. Kunle Togun (retd), said the herdsmen claimed they were invited into the state by traditional rulers.&nbsp;

While commending the hunters led by one Prophet Ojuawo, Togun urged the people of the state to support the security outfit to make it more effective.&nbsp;

He also said Amotekun was open to criticism, adding that such criticism should not be to discourage the corps from its duty of protecting lives and property.

He said, “On December 24, some herdsmen were seen at the Opara Forest Reserve in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State. The attention of the chairman of the Amotekun corps was called to it and the Amotekun corps swung into action.

“They were able to flush the herdsmen out of the forest reserve around 2am. The Amotekun corps, with the assistance of one Prophet Ojuawo, who is the head of the hunters in the state, with 40 hunters drove out the herdsmen out of the forest reserve and they were escorted out of Saki West to the Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State.

“The herdsmen were handed over to the Amotekun corps members at Orelope who also led them out of their territory and handed them to their members at Olorunsogo in Igbeti area. The Amotekun corps at Igbeti made sure they were escorted out of the Oyo State boundary.”

Togun said when the herdsmen were interrogated, they said one traditional ruler in the area invited them and they produced a letter of invitation by the traditional ruler.

He said, “Also, another set of the herdsmen were sighted at OYSADEP Forest Reserves. They too produced evidence of invitation by one of the Oyo Obas and they too were also driven out of the forest and of the state boundary.”

Togun, however, urged the public to be patient with Amotekun saying the results of the corps efforts to protect lives and property won’t be sudden.&nbsp;

The herdsmen allegedly claimed they were invited to graze in the forest reserves by traditional rulers in Oyo state.

Amotekun corps and hunters drive herdsmen out of forest reserves in Oyo

<h1>Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun says herdsmen attacked its operatives in Ondo State while men of the agency were trying to settle a rift between them and farmers in the state, Punch reports.&nbsp;</h1>

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/metro/where-is-amotekun-nigerians-ask-as-gunmen-strike-again-after-killing-ondo-monarch/gw6bj0r">Amotekun operatives in the state</a> were reported to have moved to Osi Community in Akure North Local Government Area of the state following a distress call from farmers, whose farms were destroyed by cows.&nbsp;

Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of Amotekun in the state while addressing journalists on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, said one of the herdsmen was arrested with dangerous weapons.&nbsp;

He added that Amotekun operatives seized 16 cows from the herdsmen.&nbsp;

He said, “Some farmers from Osi Community ran to the office complaining that their farms had been destroyed by herds. We sent our men there to assess the situation. They found out that the herds were actually on the farm and we invited the herdsmen. But unfortunately, on getting there, they attacked our men with knives and other dangerous weapons. But we were able to arrest one of them, named Abdulkadir Mohammed.”

The Amotekun boss also disclosed that two suspected cattle rustlers, who came to steal cows belonging to one Alhaji Ilyasu were arrested.&nbsp;

He added that the rustlers’ vehicle, a NISSAN Serena marked LAGOS FJ 423 KRD, was also impounded.&nbsp;

“One Alhaji Ilyasu, a Fulani man came to us that some people came with a Serena Bus to steal their cattle. They came to us and we sent our men out. We were able to recover the vehicle they wanted to used in stealing the cows, we also recovered the cows.

“We were able to trace some of the rustlers that ran away to somewhere in Ogun State. We have apprehended one Sudauna Gombe and one Ogunyale Sola, who was the driver of the abandoned Serena. We have handed them over to the Agro Department of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for detailed investigation.

“We recovered two cows, which we have returned to the Fulani man that owns them, and we brought the vehicle to our office here because the rustlers ran away and abandoned the vehicle. But we were able to arrest those involved and they had confessed that they had been in the trade for some time.” he said.,

Adeleye further said that since Amotekun began operation in the state, over 100 suspects had been arrested by men of the security agency.&nbsp;

16 cows were reportedly seized from the herdsmen.

Herdsmen clash with Amotekun operatives after destroying farms in Ondo

<h1>The wife of the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State governor, Olugbenga Ale, has regained her freedom barely two days after she was kidnapped by gunmen.</h1>

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/metro/gunmen-kidnap-akeredolus-chief-of-staffs-wife/8fh1nl4">Mrs Ale was abducted </a>alongside her driver and one other person were kidnapped along Ondo-Akure Expressway at the Owen area of Idanre Local Government Area of the state on Thursday night.

After spending two nights in the den of their captors, the victims were rescued by men of the Ondo State Security Network also known as Amotekun Corps on Saturday, November 28, 2020, Punch reports.&nbsp;

While confirming the release of the victims, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye said it was too early to disclose details of the rescue operation.

He said, “We thank God for the achievement, it was not easy. But we are able to arrest some persons in connection with the matter.”

Adeleye also disclosed that some suspects have been arrested at Elegbeka in connection with the murder of the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, who was brutally killed by gunmen on Thursday.

He added that the suspects are under interrogation and they are helping with useful information.

Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Olugbenga Ale and wife, Sade Ale (News Direct)

Mrs Ale and other victims were freed on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff’s wife regains freedom

The Amotekun security outfit was launched on Thursday, January 9, 2020, to address kidnaping and wanton killings allegedly perpetuated by herdsmen in the region.&nbsp;

In March, Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/amotekun-corps-akeredolu-signs-bill-into-law/0yc5hlj">signed Amotekun Corps, Bill 2020 into law</a> after the federal government and South-West governors agreed that the security outfit be established as a Security Network Agency for each state in the zone rather than a regional security outfit.&nbsp;

While signing the bill, Akeredolu said, “The Amotekun corps will strictly be deployed for security. Members are to work with the Police on matters related, but not limited, to kidnapping, farmers/herdsmen clashes, sea piracy, and others.”

Days after signing the bill into law, the Amotekun Corps in Ondo, officially known as Ondo State Security Network Agency started operations even before its inauguration in August.

In June, <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/operation-amotekun-arrests-42-cows-over-alleged-destruction-of-farmlands-in-ondo/m3hltez">the agency arrested 42 cows </a>over alleged destruction of farmlands around Alagbaka Extension in Akure, the state capital.

But three months after the inauguration of the security outfit, insecurity remains a disturbing issue in Ondo State as gunmen and kidnappers’ activities have obviously not been curtailed.&nbsp;

On Thursday, November 26, 2020, gunmen killed the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi at the Elegbeka area of Ose Local Government Area of the state.

Hours after killing the monarch, another group of gunmen kidnapped the wife of Mr Olugbenga Ale, the Chief of Staff to the state governor.

Rotimi Akeredolu [Twitter/@RotimiAkeredolu]

Also, on Friday, November 27, 2020, gunmen killed a police officer while trying to kidnap a Chinese national at Ado-Iyin, in Ekiti State.&nbsp;

The Chinese was said to be one of the engineers attached to the construction company handling the dualisation of the Ado-Iyin road.

Following the incidents, the operations of the Amotekun Corps have become a social media topic as Nigerians question the purpose of the outfit and its competence as a security agency.&nbsp;

Below are Nigerians' reactions to the brutal killing of Ondo monarch and abduction of the wife of the Chief of Staff to the state governor.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is the time we expect to see Amotekun at work. The Southwest Governors need to charge them to work harder. They are not doing enough.&mdash; Olúyẹmí Fásípè AICMC (@YemieFash) <a href="https://twitter.com/YemieFash/status/1332334212721094656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My dear people of SouthWest, where is your AMOTEKUN. Amotekun was launched with fanfare in the the region few months back. And since then nothing was heard about the outfit anymore.&mdash; Babalola Taiwo (@Babalol30050423) <a href="https://twitter.com/Babalol30050423/status/1332568570740563968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Where is the Amotekun outfit???&mdash; STANLEY JOHN BULL (@soloawo) <a href="https://twitter.com/soloawo/status/1332560748258742272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What happened to the Amotekun they inaugurated in South West? They were sleeping or something&mdash; Adetola Adedeji⭐ ⭐ (@Adetolaa_a) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adetolaa_a/status/1332558814713966600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">where are the amotekun guys?😐 <a href="https://t.co/9svvxdb6FG">https://t.co/9svvxdb6FG</a>&mdash; arter (@arter87486635) <a href="https://twitter.com/arter87486635/status/1332550977254207489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ondo again? And a monarch was just killed? Where&#39;s Amotekun?&mdash; M.C Ugwummadu Esq. (@McUgwummadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/McUgwummadu/status/1332512451057823744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Where&#39;s our Amotekun o. <a href="https://t.co/zU8Dl7SmLM">https://t.co/zU8Dl7SmLM</a>&mdash; KING KUKUTE (@Ade_Nurayn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ade_Nurayn/status/1332486208308604929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">where is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/amotekun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#amotekun</a> that the governor championed also....so much bile-politics at the expense of the common man&mdash; Tæ_Ðœ_Ďəę (@AaaaaaaaaaJay) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaaaaaaaaaJay/status/1332476595332898818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Omo, this menace is gradually becoming a nation-wide menace oo. Yesterday ondo, today Ekiti, where is next tomorrow? Amotekun whats up na? <a href="https://t.co/y23ZxmgLqW">https://t.co/y23ZxmgLqW</a>&mdash; Malachy Khanoba (@Malachy_K) <a href="https://twitter.com/Malachy_K/status/1332450332606132224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Amotekun is just a political show off. They have nothing to offer <a href="https://t.co/gcqqJDvYUk">https://t.co/gcqqJDvYUk</a>&mdash; Aare Latoosa (@dashmya) <a href="https://twitter.com/dashmya/status/1332467491516379137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">What is our great Amotekun doing?&mdash; Ebenezer Idowu (@Zeruns12) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zeruns12/status/1332484787878162433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">But somebody said SW Governors are the best for securing the region from robberies, kidnappings and so on; just because of one nonexistent and elusive AMOTEKUN. <a href="https://t.co/93pzACAMXx">https://t.co/93pzACAMXx</a>&mdash; Consummate Librarian🥇🥇 (@ElderAdewuyi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElderAdewuyi1/status/1332506942808403968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

The recent activities of gunmen in Ondo State have got Nigerians asking questions about the purpose and relevance of the Amotekun Corps in the South-West region of Nigeria.

‘Where is Amotekun?’, Nigerians ask as gunmen strike again in Ondo after killing a monarch in the state

<h1>Former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala said that the joint security outfit launched by the south-west governors will fail in the region except in Lagos.</h1>

The former governor while speaking on his memoirs titled: “Amazing Grace” billed for launch in June as part of activities slated for his 70th birthday, said the security outfit would fail because the right people were not appointed to head the outfit.

Alao-Akala, who was an Assistant Commissioner of Police said the appointment of retired Army officers as director-generals of Amotekun in the region is wrong.

Amotekun was first launched as regional security outfit for the South-West states (TheCable)

He said,&nbsp;“The Amotekun Corp will fail in the South-West states except for Lagos. The outfit is supposed to take care of the security of the people and their property across the zone but it will fail in every state except Lagos because the right people were not appointed to head it.

“You cannot expect a soldier to head Amotekun successfully. A police officer is trained especially on internal security management. If fundamentally the foundation is weak whatever you want to put on it would be weak. When you have a soldier there, he is taught how to kill. The governors don’t get it right by appointing ex-military men to head the outfits in the other states.

“If a retired senior police officer was appointed as the head of the Amotekun outfit in a state, the Commissioner of Police in the state would respect him as his former superior. A retired Army officer would want to be forceful in his approach. Remember that only the police can prosecute criminals, Amotekun cannot, so they need the cooperation of the police.

“The Amotekun personnel are not armed; they will be successful if they collaborate with the police by calling for support while trying to burst crimes in their respective states and localities.”

Amotekun was launched on Thursday, January 9, 2020, as a regional outfit. It later became state effort following a series of meeting between the Federal Government and the six governors in the region.

Late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala

Alao-Akala says Amotekun will be successful if they collaborate with the police.

Alao-Akala: ‘Amotekun will fail in South-West except in Lagos’

<h1>The Assembly also confirmed Brig.-Gen. Joe Komolafe (rtd.) as the Corps Commander and Mrs B. J. Akin-Obasola, Mr Idowu Ajayi and Major Fatai Fakorede (rtd.) as members of the security outfit.</h1>

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the confirmation was done by the lawmakers at the plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, on Monday through scrutiny and screening.

Afuye had earlier read a letter written by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on behalf of the Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, nominating members for the security outfit’s governing board for the assembly’s confirmation.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after his confirmation, the board chairman called for cooperation and support from the people of the state.

“We will need the assistance of everyone living in Ekiti towns and villages; we want them to always volunteer information that will ensure protection of lives and property in the state.

“We are warning criminals, bandits and kidnappers in Ekiti to vacate now, because there will be no more hiding place for them and their nefarious activities.

“I want to assure Ekiti people that we will not betray the confidence they reposed in us,” Aregbesola said.

He, however, clarified that “Amotekun” was not a regional community policing, but rather, an intelligent gathering agency that would work in synergy with other security agents, like the police, DSS and others to rid the state of insecurity.

Also at Monday’s plenary, the speaker directed the House Committee on Security to work in synergy with other security agents to stop the activities of smugglers and illicit drug peddlers in the state.

NAN reports that the decision followed the attention of the lawmakers, which was drawn to the nefarious activities of suspected smugglers, bandits and drug peddlers on Okemesi-Esa Oke-Ipole-Ijero routes.

Mr John Adeoye, representing Ekiti West, who raised the issue under Matter of Urgent Public Importance, said suspected car smugglers and drug peddlers usually drove dangerously in the axis in the night, calling for more security surveillance in the areas.

The House later adjourned plenary till May 13.&nbsp;

The Ekiti House of Assembly has lifted the suspension placed on its former Speaker, Mr Kola Oluwawole and four other officers. [Daily Post]

The Ekiti House of Assembly, on Monday, confirmed Chief Akin Aregbesola as the Chairman, Governing Board of the State Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun”.

Ekiti Assembly confirms ‘Amotekun’ Board Chairman, Commander, others

Jude Egbas

<h1>Governors of Nigeria’s oil rich south-south states have announced a plan to establish a security outfit that will safeguard the region.&nbsp;</h1>

The governors made the announcement in Asaba, the Delta state capital, on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

The region has been plagued by the criminal activities of vandals who rupture pipelines, kidnappers, bandits, robbers, cultists and pirates for as long as anyone can remember.&nbsp;

In Asaba, the governors resolved to revive the Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Edo and Delta (BRACED) commission, “which will handle the formation of the local security outfit."

In early January, governors of Nigeria’s Southwest states announced their own security outfit which they called Amotekun.&nbsp;

After Amotekun was <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/amotekun-federal-government-calls-body-illegal/pwkzwt5">declared illegal by the federal government, </a>the governors went through a painstaking process of making the outfit legal through their respective attorney generals and legislatures.

The governors of Nigeria’s Southeast geopolitical region have also announced plans to establish their own security outfit.

However, <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/northern-governors-disown-regional-security-outfit-operation-shege-ka-fasa/25vy0yw">northern governors have washed their hands off</a> and denounced a regional northern security outfit championed by their youths.&nbsp;

Rising from a meeting in Asaba, the governors say it's time for a regional security outfit to watch over their people.

South-South Governors announce plans to establish security outfit

Goodness Adaoyichie

Barely a month after the South-West governors established a security outfit code-named 'Amotekun', their colleagues in the South-East have come up with a similar arrangement.

Chairman of the South-East governors forum, David Umahi, said the region has formed its own security outfit to protect lives and properties of citizens in the area.

Speaking while hosting the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lasisi Adegboye, in Abakaliki, the state capital, Umahi said the forum has written to the Federal Government on the security outfit.

“Every region has their own peculiarities and we have formed our own joint security task force and we have written to the federal government and we are putting things together because we had a joint meeting with all the service chiefs and the then GOC,” Umahi said.

“So, we discussed and agreed on what we need to do to continue to give safety to our people in the south-east.

“No one will say that he will not be part of joint security because when people are kidnapped for example in Anambra State, they could be found in Ebonyi.

“So, we need that synergy to work together to give protection to everybody and here in Ebonyi, we are among the first in the federation to start our law on internal security and that is the Neighbourhood Watch and they have fantastically done very well.

“I am happy that the police, the army, the SSS, they are not ashamed to proclaim that our Neighbourhood Security Watch has done very well. And so, we can say that we are the safest state in the country and there is no joke about that," the Ebonyi State governor added.

Umahi, however, did not disclose the name of the outfit.

Meanwhile, a Commissioner in Ebonyi state, Stanley Emegha, had accused the South-West governors of "copying" their strategy with the establishment of Amotekun.

South-East governors establish regional security outfit [Twitter]

The name of the South-East security outfit is yet unknown.

After Amotekun, South-East governors establish regional security outfit

Weeks after the establishment of 'Operation Amotekun', a security outfit in the Southwest region, the Coalition of Northern Groups has proposed the formation of ‘Shege-ka-Fasa’ to help safeguard the lives and properties of citizens upcountry.

In a statement on Saturday, January 25, 2020, the group's spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the move was necessitated by the "apparent failure" of the government to discharge its primary duty of protecting the lives and properties of all citizens.

According to the northern group, ‘Shege-ka-Fasa’ will serve as extra measures for self-protection in the prevailing insecurity situation in the region.

"In the prevailing circumstances, the North is even more genuinely entitled to be angry at the rate its people are attacked, killed, towns and villages vandalized, innocent citizens including children abducted, and terrorized, families traumatized and communities displaced on a daily basis," the group said.

“All this while, the North has persevered in a dangerous security environment fueled by outside interests that thrive on the supply of such deadly merchandise as hard drugs and other harmful substances and the proliferation of arms into the region.

“With the current level of anger, frustration, and uncertainty that is fueling communal disharmony and mutual distrust, CNG believes that the North should as well take similar steps to arrange for the protection of the region and its people from these daily attacks and destruction.

“Thus, failure of the authorities to provide proof of its capacity to protect citizens in all parts of the North as minimum evidence that they are serious about their responsibilities, would leave the people with no option than to resort to forming an Arewa Security Initiative to secure their people’s lives with the proposed codename “Shege ka Fasa”, the statement read added.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, says he was misquoted on Amotekun.

Malami, in an interview on Radio Nigeria, noted that he did not declare Amotekun an illegal security outfit but advised governors of the region to have a legal backing for the body.

Northern youth group reject establishment of Amotekun [Twitter]

According to the group, the Arewa Security Initiative, 'Shege-ka-Fasa' will help safeguard the lives of citizens in Nigeria's northern region.

After Amotekun, Northern group proposes creation of 'Shege-ka-Fasa' security outfit

<h1>Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reacted to the recent debate surrounding 'Operation Amotekun', the newly established security outfit in the South-West.</h1>

The launch of the security outfit has continued to generate mixed reactions from Nigerians both within and outside the country.

The Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had described Amotekun as an illegal security outfit.

But the South-West governors insist that Amotekun was established to help tackle rising security challenges in the region.

Osinbajo and Southwest governors in a meeting over Amotekun (@Toluogunlesi)

After a meeting with South-West governors, Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police on Thursday, January 24, 2020, Osinbajo noted that Operation Amotekun should align with the Federal Government's Community Policing strategy.

"Fruitful and unanimous resolutions were made on the way forward in a meeting today with South West Governors, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police over the controversy surrounding the Amotekun initiative," Osinbajo said on Twitter.

"The meeting was at the instance of the Governors who had asked to see President Muhammadu Buhari.

"It was agreed that the structure of Amotekun should also align with the Community Policing strategy of the Federal Government," he declared.

Similarly, the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said the foundation of the country had not been put at risk with the South-West regional security outfit launched by the governors of the zone.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo  [Twitter/@profOsinbajo]

Finally, Osinbajo speaks on Amotekun.

Osinbajo speaks on Amotekun after meeting South-West governors

Days after urging South-West leaders to dump their regional security outfit for the sake of 2023 presidency, the Miyetti Allah Kaute Hore has urged the Federal Government to arrest Yoruba leaders behind Amotekun.

The National President of the group, Bello Bodejo believes<a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/operation-amotekun-7-things-to-know-about-southwests-security-force/jpd0wz1" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Amotekun</a> is a plot against the Fulani ethnic group.

Bodejo said this in an interview with TheSun. He said the security outfit was launched to prevent herdsmen from grazing in their God-given areas.

“They should not only ban it, but should arrest the leaders of this group. Like I said earlier, nobody or group has more security intelligence than the Police. The Army is doing enough; the DSS is also doing enough, likewise the Civil Defence,” Bodejo was quoted as saying.

Operation Amotekun: Don’t betray South West, Ooni tells personnel. [Twitter/@IbukunOluwa____]

“They are just doing all these things in order to stop the Fulani from coming into their area; it is just a hidden agenda to prevent the Fulani herdsmen from grazing in their God-given areas.

“If you say you set up Amotekun to protect your region, what about the Northern Nigeria, what about the Southeast and the South-South and other places that don’t have that kind of thing. Nigeria is one; everything is one, unless they want to divide the country.

“I know some of their leaders have good hearts, but others have evil hearts, and those are the ones coming up with this agenda that the Fulani can’t do this and the Fulani can’t do that; all these things are happening because of Fulani; they are just against the Fulani.

“I support 100 percent the federal government banning it; and the leaders should be arrested. It is a deliberate plot against the Fulani.”

It would recalled that shortly after South-West governors launched the South-West Security Network (SWSN) code-named ‘Operation Amotekun’, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami declared the the outfit illegal.

Amotekun