With the incessant attacks by gunmen on correctional centres in the country, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has charged the police command in the state to deploy strategies to wade off potential attacks in the state.
While stressing that it is imperative for the police to take adequate measures to secure Correctional Centres across the state, Akeredolu maintained that the coordinated attacks speaks volume.
According to the governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, the situation became compelling in view of what he described as a disturbing trend of constant attacks on “Correctional Homes in some States that border Ondo State.”
He said that with states such as Kogi and Ekiti as well as Oyo suffering similar ordeal, the attacker had been operating with the same motive of setting free crime suspects, particularly those with gang identities.
Akeredolu added that correctional centres in the state had high number of suspects standing trial in cases of alleged murder, kidnapping, rape and destruction of farmlands, hence the need for the urgent safety measures.
The governor maintained that among the high profile suspects in the facilities were those standing trial in the murder of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of elder statesman, Pa Ruben Fasonranti.
‘While the Southwest Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun has demonstrated considerable capacity in tackling insecurity, it is pertinent that the Nigeria Police authority, especially the State Command, deploys more men to secure Correctional Homes in the State.’
‘All residents are equally enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around their respective environments.’
This comes after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu pardoned 18 inmates earlier this month as a result of good behavior.
AFRICA TODAY NEWS, NEW YORK