By Akeem Abas
Ibadan – Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Thursday in Ibadan, inaugurated inter-religious security committee to foster peaceful co-existence among the various religious and ethnic groups in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee comprised of representatives of security agencies, ethnic and religious groups.
The governor said that the committee was inaugurated to foster and sustain peaceful co-existence among the inhabitants of the state.
Ajimobi said that his administration was able to transform the state because it has made peace and security the foundation of the administration.
According to the governor, since inception our administration has ensured that sustainable peace returned to the state, making it one of the peaceful in the country.
“When our administration came on board, we made peace and security the number one fundamental assignment.
“Prior to this administration was brigandage and destruction of properties. We are bold to say that Oyo State remains one of the most peaceful state in the country today,” he said.
The governor enjoined members of the committee not to leave any stone unturned in sustaining the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
In his speech at the inaugural meeting of the committee, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Odude, called for peaceful co-existence and the for public support to security agencies.
Odude recalled a communal clash at Igbeti, Kisi Local Government area of the state, which the police command was currently resolving.
“A cow owner killed another resident to retaliate the killing of his cow. Imagine, how a cow owner can equate the life of a cow to that of his fellow being,” he said.
He said that the State Police Command has sent its men to the community, adding that they are looking forward to adopting conflict resolution strategy.
The police commissioner pledged to fully work with the committee to evolve reconciliatory strategy.
Similarly, some members of the committee called on the police command to work assiduously with the governor, as the Chief Security Officer in the state, to sustain the peaceful co-existence being enjoyed in the state.