TheCable

Governors in the south-west region have approved joint operations for the Western Nigeria Security Network, better known as Amotekun.

This is coming after 15 people were reportedly killed in an attack by gunmen at Igangan town, Oyo state, on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo governor and chairman of the south-west governors’ forum, said the region is ready to defend the lives and property of its people against any external attack.

“We have just received with rude shock premeditated attack on our people at Igangan, Ibarapa, Oyo State, in the early hours of today. This cowardly onslaught on a peaceful community has occasioned loss of lives and property on a large scale. It is horrendous, callous, and highly provocative,” the governor said.

“All well-meaning Nigerians must condemn, in the strongest term possible, this latest assault on decency and communal harmony.

“While we will encourage the security agencies to get to the root of this latest act of provocation, we have directed the Commanders of the South West Security Network, Amotekun, to convoke a joint security meeting of all Commanders in the South West with a view to commencing joint operations in the region immediately.

“We on our part are resolved to defend our people, their property, and all legitimate means of livelihood against both internal and external aggression. On this, there will be no compromise.”

In January, Akeredolu ordered massive recruitment into Amotekun to curb the worsening insecurity in the state.