Kwara South Security Challenges Will Soon Be History: COAS
* Says President committed to ending country’s insecurity
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval for the establishment of an Army Battalion In Omu-Aran, headquarters of the Kwara South Senatorial District, to strengthen security and combat surging banditry and kidnapping in the region, a delegation of senior military officers from the Chief of Army Staff, led by Major General O.D. Williams, visited the Olomu of
Omu-Aran, His Royal Majesty, Oba AbdulRaheem Oladele Adeoti, to fine-tune necessary arrangements.
Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, the Essa Omu, High Chief Adekunle AbdulRasaq Oyinloye, reflected on the historical significance of Omu-Aran, recalling that the town was the military headquarters of iyangba confederacy comprising about 116 communities in the present Kwara, Osun, Ekiti and Kogi States.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Esinkin of Olomu retired Major General Lasisi Olayemi Abidoye, the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) executives, the Olomu-in-Council, and all individuals who contributed to making the establishment of the Army battalion a reality.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Major General O.D. Williams thanked the people of Omu-Aran for the warm reception accorded to the delegation, assuring the community that President Tinubu remains committed to ending the menace of banditry and kidnapping across the country.
According to him, the military personnel are ready to commence operations immediately.
Also speaking, the Esinkin Olomu, retired Major General Lasisi Yemi Abidoye, commended President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for their unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property, expressing confidence that the deployment of the Army battalion would significantly improve security in Kwara South.
He added that insecurity in the region would soon become a thing of the past, while appreciating the community for providing a befitting temporary accommodation for the military personnel pending the completion of the permanent barracks.
Representing the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), the National Secretary, Elder Ranti Adedayo, expressed optimism that communities across Kwara South, including the neighbouring towns, would now enjoy enhanced security as a result of the Army’s presence in Omu-Aran.
High Chief Oyedepo Asanlu Omu presented gifts to the delegation and prayed for safe trip back to their respective destinations.
Also present at the palace reception were High Chief Olusola Olaniyan, The Odofin Aran, High Chief Festus Awoniyi,petu omu and High Chief Samuel Atolagbe, The Edemon omu amongst other members of the olomu -in – Council.
As the people of Omu-Aran warmly welcomed the military personnel, the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) and the Olomu-in-Council appealed to residents to extend their full cooperation and support to the officers during their stay at the temporary site and after their eventual relocation to their permanent barracks.
“Together, with the cooperation of the people and the commitment of the security agencies, Kwara South is on the path to lasting peace and security,” the duo of the ODA and Olomu-In-Council added.
