Acting Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal,has assured residents that the state government will take decisive steps to prevent criminal activities from gaining a foothold. This assurance came during his visit to Gbepakan Village in Saki West Local Government Area, where an attack occurred on Tuesday night, targeting both Fulani settlers and Yoruba residents.
During his visit, Lawal emphasized that the administration, under Governor Seyi Makinde, is committed to protecting all citizens without discrimination, ensuring that no individual or group is subjected to oppression. The Acting Governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the destruction caused by the assailants, pledging that the government would conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
Speaking to both Yoruba and Fulani community members, Lawal reiterated that the state does not tolerate criminality, regardless of the perpetrator’s background. “The purpose of this visit is to reassure our people that Nigeria is one, and everyone has the right to live and work in peace,” he stated.
Lawal also promised that immediate relief would be provided to those affected by the attack and assured the families of the victims that the government would work to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. He added that security forces had already begun investigating the attack and vowed that anyone found responsible would face the full force of the law.
Alhaji Salaudeen Adebayo, the councilor representing Ward Four in Saki West Local Government, condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless waste of lives. He appealed to the state government to enhance security in the area, prevent illegal land occupation, and ensure that telecommunications services are accessible.
Accompanying the Acting Governor were several key officials, including the former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Hamid Gbadamosi; the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Fausat Joke Sanni; the Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment, and Cooperatives, Mr. Niyi Adebisi; the Chairman of the Oyo State Pension Board, Rafiu Adekunle; the Chief Press Secretary, Sulaiman Olanrewaju; the Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Akinola ; the Executive Assistant to the State Governor on Security Matters, CP Sunday Odukoya (retired); the Director-General of Operation Burst, Amotekun; and other security personnel.
