Ondo State Governor Engages Private Security Firm to Protect Farmers in Forest Reserves
The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has taken a bold step to tackle the ongoing security challenges in the state by engaging a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, to protect farmers in the state’s forest reserves.
The governor has instructed the firm to collaborate with the state security network agency, Amotekun Corps, and other security agencies to ensure the safe return of farmers to their farms without fear of attack by hoodlums.
According to Eniola Ogunbodede, the Chairman of Global Olabod Resources Limited, the motive behind this move is to address the outcry of farmers who are being threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands. The governor, Mr. Aiyedatiwa, wants to ensure that food is available for all in the state by combating hunger and providing a safe environment for farmers to cultivate their crops.
During a security awareness tour to the Idanre Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Ogunbodede stated that the firm is coordinating all security agencies in the state to implement this initiative. He emphasized that the goal is to protect farmers and their farms, ensuring that they have an assurance of safety.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Farmers’ Association, Solomon Akinwole, praised the state government for taking bold steps in tackling kidnapping and attacks on farmers. The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aiyedatiwa on Security, Gbenga Atiba, explained that the firm has been engaged to enumerate the farmers living in the forest reserves to know the registered farmers who live in these areas.
The state government believes that if this initiative is successful, it would lead to a surplus of food, as farmers would be able to cultivate without fear or threat. The security firms have already started implementing the program, with plans to visit other senatorial districts in the state.
In this endeavour, the Ondo State government and the private security firm are committed to protecting farmers and ensuring a safe and thriving agricultural sector in the state.
