“Why We Hired Private Security Firm” – Ondo Govt

By Ayodele Oni

Has Ondo State Government secured the services of a private security firm to protect farmers in the state from incessant Fulani herdsmen attack?

This is the question in the lips of several persons in the State following a social media report earlier by a private security firm that the State Government has engaged its services.

Government had, weeks ago, announced that a special squad within the State Security, Amotekun, has been set up to protect farmers from incessant attacks by the dreadful Fulani herdsmen.

However another online report credited to the Chairman of Global Olabod Resources, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, had claimed that the state Government’s  intention to hire its firm was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands.

In its reaction, Ondo State Security Network Agency, code-named Amotekun Corps, debunked the publications titled: :Amid Amotekun Operatives’ Pleas for Support, Ondo Governor Contracts Private Security Outfit to Take Over Security Firm’s Function.”

“The Government dissociates itself from the publications making rounds that the government attempt to enlist the services of Global Olabod Resources Limited as the information circulating is unsubstantiated.”

The Amotekun Corps added that all security agencies in the state, including the Ondo Police Command, the Army, the Navy, the DSS, and the Civil Defence, are working tirelessly with the support of Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure peace and tranquillity for the citizens of Ondo State.

A statement by spokesman of the corps, Jimoh Adeniken further stated that its operatives will leave no stone unturned as they work robustly with other agencies to guarantee peace and the safety of lives and property of Ondo State residents.

Also reacting, Olugbenga Atiba, Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Security, clarify that “The recent reports suggesting that the Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has contracted the services of a private security firm, Global Olabod Resources Limited, to enhance state security—particularly to protect farmers in the state’s forest reserves—are incorrect, misleading, and misinformed.

“The claim made by the company’s Chairman, Mr. Eniola Ogunbodede, that the state government’s intention was to address the concerns of farmers who have been threatened by hoodlums on their farmlands is a misrepresentation of the facts.

“It is important to clarify that the state government currently enjoys a strong and cooperative relationship with all security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the state’s homeland security unit, Amotekun.

“Most notably, these security agencies in the state have been performing admirably in fulfilling their duty to protect the lives and property of the state’s residents.

“The engagement of Global Olabod Resources Limited by the state government is specifically for the identification and enumeration of farmers in the state, to provide the government with accurate and reliable data.

“It is inappropriate for a privately-owned firm to claim or assume the role of coordinating all the security agencies in the state—especially in a state where government officials are already tasked with such responsibilities.

“Under the capable leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the state government will continue to collaborate with all relevant federal security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the entire state and its inhabitants.

“The general public can rest assured that both federal and state security agencies will not shirk their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of the people.