By Ayodele Oni
Following intervention by the military high command, soldiers of the 323 Artillery Brigade, Akure, are now back at the four Correctional Centres in Ondo State.
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, while receiving briefings from the new Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Oyediran Oyeyemi, was told that soldiers attached to Correctional Centre in Akure, Ondo, Owo and Okitipupa had been withdrawn.
The fuming Governor, who expressed surprise at the development, which may likely trigger jail break, condemned, in strong terms, the withdrawal of men of the Nigerian Army from the Correctional Centers across the State.
The withdrawal, it was learnt, was the high point of the crisis between the Governor and the headship of the Army Brigade.
It was learnt on Saturday that the Military High Command in Abuja reportedly waded into the redeployment of soldiers from the Correctional Centres in Ondo which may likely lead to security breaches.
A statement on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Richard Olatunde, confirmed the return of the soldiers to the Correctional Centres.
The statement reads “Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has received notice of the return of the officers of the Nigerian Army to Correctional Centers in the state.
“Governor Akeredolu, who described the return as a welcome development, said the Nigerian Army has allowed good reasoning to prevail in the interest of the people.
“The Governor noted that the initial withdrawal of the officers from the Correctional Centers was an aberration and an undue security risk.
“We note the return of soldiers to the Correctional Centers as concerting. The security of lives and property of our people remain an onerous task that must be carried out without hesitation or sentiment.
“A Federal facility like the Correctional Center should not have been left without deserving security for any reason. However, the return of the soldiers to the facilities is a positive development.
“Both the Nigerian Army and the Correctional centers belong to the Federal Government. There must be continuous synergy. We will also continue to do our best to give the necessary support when the need arises.”
