Ondo State government has denied the alleged arrest of suspected Boko Haram members in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, August, 19, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Kayode Akinmade, also stated that there was no heavy influx of Boko Haram terrorists in the area.
Akinmade stated the false report was aimed to create tension and atmosphere of fear among the people in the state.
The commissioner stressed that the state remains the safest and the most peaceful place in Nigeria. As stated by him, the security meeting ordered by the governor was a routine monthly meeting that is always held between the chairmen of local councils and heads of security agencies in their locality.
“There are series of such security meetings that hold regularly at different levels on the governor’s instruction to ensure the maintece of peace being experienced in the state.
“It is misleading and unfortunate that some people will allude the reason for a regular meeting on security matters in the state to the imaginary influx of Boko Haram members.
”The meeting is not new as it has been holding before now and it will not stop to hold because it has proved useful in the course of ensuring adequate security in the state,” he stated.
Akinmade stressed that adequate measures are being taken to ensure security of lives and property in Ondo through a round-the-clock screening at every entry point to the state by joint security patrols.
The commissioner further called on the local people to go about their normal business without fear, adding that the state has what it takes to maintain peace and order.
“One of the outcome of the security meetings in the state led to the decision of government to ensure proper documentation of every motorcycle that operate in the state as there have been reports that their operations are becoming a threat to the peace of the state.
“Hence, the decision of government to order that the activities of the commercial motorcycle operators in the state be regularized to ensure proper monitoring, and prevent any security breach that could arise from their operation,” he stated.
The residents had recently raised the alarm over the rising level of insecurity in Ondo communities, stating that they were sensing the activities of Boko Haram members in their areas. They complained on ‘some strange faces’ in their midst, urging the military chiefs to avail them more check-points.