TheCable

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, has asked the police to beef up security around the correctional centres in the state. 

The governor made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement issued by Richard Olatunde, his chief press secretary.

Akeredolu said the move became necessary given the disturbing trend of incessant attacks on correctional centres in some neighbouring states.

The governor said the attacks in Kogi and Oyo appear to be well-coordinated breaches aimed at achieving a common goal of setting free crime suspects, particularly those with “gang identities”.

He added that several of such suspects are being held in Ondo state.

“In Ondo State, there are several of such suspects standing trial in respect of cases of alleged murder, kidnapping, rape and destruction of farmlands,” Akeredolu was quoted as saying.

“The most celebrated of such suspects are those standing trial for the murder of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of our elder statesman, Pa Ruben Fasonranti.

“While the South-West Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun, has demonstrated considerable capacity in tackling insecurity, it is pertinent that the Nigeria Police authorities, especially the State Command, deploy more men to secure the correctional centres in the state.”

The governor also urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around their environments to security agents.