The Ondo State Government has hired private security firms to tackle insecurity, kidnapping, restiveness, and other crimes in the coastal areas of the state.

The Chairman of the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Prince Biyi Poroye, disclosed that the state’s coastal communities were now among the most peaceful in the region, adding that the improved security situation was encouraging investors to consider the state.

Poroye spoke with journalists when he hosted security chiefs for a dinner in appreciation of their role in sustaining peace and security across the state.

The OSOPADEC boss explained that beyond the conventional security arrangements provided by federal agencies, the state government had also engaged private security outfits to support and complement the efforts of security operatives.

He cited a recent kidnapping incident in the Irele area of Ondo South Senatorial District, noting that security operatives responded swiftly and the victims were rescued.

According to him, “I can confidently say that we are enjoying one of the most serene environments in the coastal region of Ondo State. That peace is making it easier for investors to come in and do business.

“Although Irele is not directly within our mandate area, we immediately directed our security partners to assist, and they played a role in recovering the kidnapped persons.

“That incident showed the level of coordination we now have among security agencies. In our own mandate area, we are not experiencing that kind of security challenge,” he said.

Poroye disclosed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa had directed that Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras be installed on major public projects, including the Obe Nla Walkway and other street-light corridors, to strengthen security monitoring.

Speaking about the dinner for the security chiefs, Poroye said the gathering was organised to express gratitude to the security agencies for their cooperation with the people and government of the state.

According to him, the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the state is a result of the strong working relationship among security agencies, the state government and community leaders.

His words: “This is simply a night to say thank you to our security chiefs. The people of Ondo State appreciate what they have done, and we are happy with the level of peace we are witnessing today,” he said.

“I had the opportunity to speak with many of them, even though time was short, and I told them that appreciating our security chiefs should become a regular thing, not a one-off event.”

Speaking on the challenge of coastal erosion and sea incursion affecting communities such as Ayetoro, Awoye, Abereke and Ajapa, Poroye said the state government was pursuing advocacy and partnerships with donor agencies and international organisations.

He said: “What Ayetoro needs at this stage is sustained advocacy. The resources of Ondo State alone cannot solve all the challenges facing those communities. Our responsibility is to draw attention to their situation and seek support from humanitarian and international organisations. We are already seeing positive responses from some development partners.”

He assured residents that both the state and federal governments had not abandoned the affected communities and were continuing efforts to address the menace of sea incursion.

Poroye said: “The terrain is extensive and expensive to secure. We have settled with two security companies already, and we are profiling others because we need more hands to complement what the conventional security agencies are doing.”

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