“The YCE is appalled because Ondo State played a pivotal role in the formation of Amotekun. We hereby urge Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to reinforce Amotekun and other local security outfits for them to deal with all marauders who take pleasure in killing innocent people,” he added.

Yoruba Council of Elders [YCE], on Sunday, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to strengthen the Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps, to deal decisively with criminal elements tormenting the state.

There were cases of maiming, killing, and kidnappings of innocent people in Ondo State by herdsmen and other miscreants, which led to protests by residents of Ondo State.

Reacting to the reports of insecurity, YCE said strengthening of the Amotekun Corps was inevitable in order to tackle the security challenges in the state urgently.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to The Guardian in Ibadan by the Secretary-General, Engr. Oladipo Oyewole.

“In view of the security challenges in the state, the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) is urging the Ondo State Governor H.E. Aiyedatiwa to strengthen the Amotekun Corps so as to be able to deal more decisively with issues of insecurity in the State,” Oyewole said.

“In that regard, strengthening of the Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun Corps (in general), to deal decisively with security challenges in the state is urgently required because it is considered that ‘the centrality of security to governance is key.

“The Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly called Amotekun Corps, was established to secure the Southwest region and bridge the gaps in the security of the zone. Thus far, this has helped in combating insecurity in the nooks and crannies of the region.

However, we are taken aback by the recent spate of killings, kidnappings, and other forms of insecurity in the state!