Condemns abduction of doctor, lady in Okeho
Oyo State House of Assembly, yesterday, called on the executive arm of government through the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to set machinery in motion towards installation of CCTV cameras, security lights and other gadgets in strategic locations, to identify ‘faces’ of criminals in the state.
   
The call followed the recent abduction of a medical doctor working with Baptist Medical Centre in Okeho, Dr D. Lawal, and a young lady identified simply as Kafilat. 
   
The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, July 23, in a Micra taxi by unknown gunmen along Okeho/Isemi Road in Kajola Local Council, and their whereabouts have remained unknown.
  
In condemning the abduction, the lawmakers called on the state’s Commissioner of Police and other security agencies to urgently swing into action and secure the release of Dr Lawal and Kafilat.
   
It also urged the ad hoc Committee on Security to expedite action towards organising a security summit that would serve as a platform for all the security agencies in the state to deliberate on the security challenges facing the state and proffer necessary solutions. 
  
The case was brought before the State House of Assembly, by the member representing Kajola State Constituency, Musibau Azeez, under Matter of Urgent Public Importance. 
  
According to Azeez, the rate of insecurity, especially kidnapping in recent times in Oyo State is alarming. He said: “It has become a matter of major concern that requires urgent attention. Despite efforts of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde in providing necessary logistics and support for security agencies to ensure that crime is reduced to the barest minimum, it is quite unfortunate and disturbing that some wicked elements are bent on destabilising the peace and tranquility being enjoyed and also rubbish the efforts put in place by government from time to time. 
  
“I am aware that despite the efforts of security agents, nobody could trace the whereabouts of the two victims and no phone call has been received from the kidnappers to request for ransom or otherwise.
  
“The unwholesome and negative occurrence has threatened the peace, security and economy of Okeho, Kajola Local Council and the state. If care is not taken, this may send negative signals to local and foreign investors, who are willing to partner with Oyo State, thereby having a negative effect on our economy.
 
“Observers say that people living in Okeho in the Oke-Ogun area of the state now live in panic and fear, farmers are afraid of going to farm, people are afraid of being engaged in their daily business activities because of fear of being killed or kidnapped.
  
“Cases of such kidnapping were recently reported in the Iseyin area in Oke-Ogun where people paid huge amounts of money as ransom to rescue their people from the hands of these nefarious individuals despite the hard times being experienced in the country. 
 
“Concerned that lack of synergy among security agencies and poor surveillance could be the reason for the rise in insecurity, especially kidnapping in Oyo State despite having a law in place prohibiting the act of kidnapping.”