Adebayo Adenrele
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti state has inaugurated the Ekiti Agro Marshals to safeguard farmlands, schools, and palaces across the state.
This is part of his administration’s resolve to ensure a safer environment with a view to creating a conducive atmosphere for farming to thrive, thereby boosting food security in the state.
Speaking during the passing out parade of the Marshalls in Ado- Ekiti on Tuesday, the Governor said the local security outfit is designed to compliment efforts of the Police and other security agencies in the war against criminality in the state.
Oyebanji explained that the Agro Marshals became necessary following the instruction of President Bola Tinubu to the Governors to set up a Special Guard to protect farmlands and the forest.
This, in addition to suggestions of the security council and that of the traditional rulers in the state, led to the establishment of the new outfit.
Emphasizing the importance of securing agricultural resources, educational institutions and cultural heritage sites to ensure sustainable development and communal harmony, Governor Oyebanji said the main mandate of the Marshals is to ensure that farmlands, palaces and schools are protected across the state.
The governor, while maintaining that his government remains committed to security of lives and property of the citizens in the state, expressed his confidence that, with the right collaboration between the Marshals and other security agencies, Ekiti will be the safest place in the country.
He added that the initiative is a collaborative effort between the state, the local government and traditional institution to safeguard the lives of farmers in order to enhance safety on the farms thereby boosting food production and food security.
The Governor charged the Marshals not to violate the fundamental human rights of the citizen but discharged their duties diligently within the confine of the constitution of the country.
His words, “They are to compliments the efforts of the formal security apparatus, they are not to replace them, they are to work together , gather intelligence but their main mandate is to ensure our farmlands, palaces and schools are protected and because they are local they have access to intelligence, understand the community and the environment.
“I charge the officers not to violate the fundamental human rights of the citizens, you cannot be arbitrary and everything you are going to do must be done within the confine of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the Marshals, Rtd. ACP Olamide Oni who commended the Governor for ensuring that the people of the state can sleep with their two eyes closed, said the Matshals have been trained on the requirements for carrying out their duties effectively and efficiently.
He assured the Governor that the state would henceforth experience peace on the various farmlands and forests.