BY OBUTE JAMES
The House of Representatives has called on security agencies to deploy their personnel to Ilaje Land in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State.
The House’s resolution was sequel to the motion by Hon. Kolade Victor who represnts the constituency in the Green Chamber.
The motion was titled “Call for Deployment of Security Operatives to Ilaje Land in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency of Ondo State”
Hon. Kolade Victor Akinjo said “The House: Notes that Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency is a littoral region with a population of over six hundred and fifty thousand (650,000) people, covering an area of 2,036km, shares boundaries in the West with Ogun State and in the East with Delta State and has a shoreline stretching towards the Atlantic Ocean in the South and covering about 180km, thus making Ondo State the state with the longest coastline in Nigeria.
“Concerned that Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area, despite its size and population, has been a difficult terrain in recent times due to the cult clashes which often destroy properties, loss of lives and injury to members of the affected communities.
“Also concerned that the situation has caused untold hardships to the people who now live in constant fear of being attacked and are unable to freely conduct their businesses; Worried that the clashes have assumed a frightening dimension with the killings that happened in broad daylight even as a popular music Deejay known as DJ Donniyen was killed on his way to a musical concert; Recalls that in 2019, an appeal was made to establish more security outposts with adequate personnel in Ilaje/Ese–Odo Federal Constituency in addition to the existing two (2) Police Stations located at Igbokoda in IIaje Local Government Area and Igbekebo in Ese–Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State to secure the crime–prone area.
“Cognizant that the security challenges confronting the IIajej Ese–Odo Federal Constituency, need the collaborative efforts of various security agencies, especially as the festive season is approaching; Disturbed that the prevalent insecurity in Ilaje land has adversely affected socio–economic activities in the affected communities and Ondo State at large.”
Following his motion on Tuesday 7th December, 2021 the House resolved to: (i) Urge the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Navy to urgently establish more security divisions and mobilize additional security personnel to Igbokoda and its neighbouring communities in Ilaje Local Government Area to investigate the cause of insecurity and bring the culprits to book.
The House also mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Navy to ensure compliance.