Former governor of the State of Ondo, Hon. Agboola Ajayi has urged the Chamber of the Ondo State Assembly to amend Amotekun's law to include forest guards as part of the agency.
He believes that this amendment would significantly help to address insecurity and reduce frequent murders and kidnappings of farmers in border communities and state forests.
Ajayi made this statement in Akure, the capital of the state of Ondo, during the celebration of the 60th birthday of the former minority leader of the State Assembly Chamber, HE. Rasheed Elegbeleye.
He expressed concern about the growing insecurity in the country.
The proposed amendment would empower the State Security Network to supervise and promote peaceful relationships between farmers, shepherds and other inhabitants of the forest.
Ajayi said that forest guards have the support of President Bola Tinubu, who has suggested this initiative to combat insecurity throughout the country.
He stressed that the main responsibility of the government is to protect lives and properties, urging the state government to ensure that citizens can carry out their legal activities without fear of being killed or kidnapped.
Ajayi said: “The insecurity rate is not acceptable for citizens of the State of Ondo. The main objective of each government is to protect lives and properties. The speaker and his colleagues should do everything possible to amend the existing law.
“I traveled during our governor campaign in the state of Ondo for the need to have a unit known as the Forest Guard. I was particularly happy when I heard that the president spoke in that regard a few days ago.
“There is a need for a law that equates the Forest Guard with sophisticated weapons. They must do so with the approval of the National Security Advisor.”
Ajayi added that the security outfit must be parked in the forest with hunters and other security outfits to control heinous crimes in the state of Ondo and the country in general.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony include former legislators and in service, including the president of the State Assembly Chamber, Hon Olamide Oladiji, majority leader, Hon Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, former attached speakers, Ogundeji Iroju and Samuel Aderoboye and members of the House of Representatives of Idanre/ Iesodo, Festus Akingbaso.