New Nigeria Police zone takes off in Ondo as govt assures security agencies of support

Chairman of the South West Governors Forum and Ondo State governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has assured police and other security agencies of necessary support for the protection of properties and people of Ondo and Ekiti States.

Governor Akeredolu gave the assurance on Tuesday in Akure while handing over a storey building to the Nigeria Police within Zone 17 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, which was donated by the Ondo state government.

The building that is located around the Federal College of Agriculture, Ijapo Estate, Akure, according to the governor, will serve as operational office complex of the Zone 17.

While handing over the building to the newly-promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, David Folawiyo, the pioneer AIG of the zone, Akeredolu disclosed that the decision of the DIG in accepting the location for the Headquarters complex made it possible to be located in Akure.

He, however, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the creation of the zone for grassroots policing and enhancing the security of life and property of residents of Ondo and Ekiti states.

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“I must thank Nigeria Police for what they have done for us thus so far. The EndSARS has much impact on the psyche of the police. We owe it a duty to apologise and encourage the police so that they can come out to carry out their responsibilities,” Akeredolu said.

The governor appealed to the Police to come out and continue to enforce law and order in the state.

Appreciating the police for the collaborative efforts with the South-West Security Network, which he said was not meant to rival any existing security agency, Governor Akeredolu noted that Police didn’t have enough men, but Amotekun can support them when necessary

He, however, disclosed that the Amotekun Corps would recruit more men in 2021 to enhance its strength and performance.

In his address, the DIG explained that Zone 17 was created on May 27, 2020, for Ondo and Ekiti states to serve the people better by coordinating and supervising the all commands in the zone.

He appreciated Governor Akeredolu for renovating and donating the structure on time.

Folawiyo also disclosed that Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has promised to equip the headquarters with computer sets and other necessary gadgets.

He, however, declared that community policing would be rigorously pursued, adding that the Zone would serve the people better by collaborating with other sister agencies.