Omu-Aran petitions IGP over protection, re-opening of closed banks

The Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) in Kwara State has renewed its appeal to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other security agencies in the country to step up operations to ensure greater security of lives and properties in Omu-Aran and its environs.

The president, Chief Peter Oyinloye, made the appeal at a briefing in Omu-Aran yesterday on the continued suspension of operations in the town by First Bank, Union Bank and Ecobank since May 2013 over violent robbery attacks on them. Oyinloye said the continued closure of the banks has virtually paralysed commercial activities in the town, which is the headquarters of Kwara South Senatorial District.

He said that it has been a harrowing experience for students, workers, traders and businessmen in the town who now daily travel to Offa, Ilorin and neighbouring towns in Ekiti and Osun states for basic banking services.

Since the incident, he said that the association and the paramount ruler of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye, had made many representations to the banks and the state government without positive response. He added that since the banks suspended operations, the community had supported the Nigeria Police by providing two patrol vans and building an office for the Police Area Command.

In addition, he said they are building three additional police stations in the three wards of the town and supporting local vigilante groups to aid police anti-crime operations.