Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo State, gave 50 patrol vehicles to all of the state's law enforcement agencies on Friday as part of his administration's commitment to enhancing the safety of people's lives and property in the state.
Criminals would be driven out of the state's hidden crevices, according to Akeredolu.
At the Governor's Office, Alagbaka, in Akure, the state capital, he presented the vehicles to the leaders of the state's security organizations on Friday. These organizations included the Army, Navy, Nigerian Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of the State Services, and the Amotekun Corps.
Speaking, the governor stated that the donation of an additional 50 vehicles was a further illustration of the administration's dedication to giving all security organizations operating in the state the support they require.
"We still remember with dread the heinous crime of last month when three daredevil terrorists who had sold their souls to the devil attacked the St. Francis Catholic Church in the historic city of Owo," he remarked.
"At that time, I made a pledge to the people of Ondo State that I would do everything in my power to improve the ability of our security services to foresee, stop, and combat a repetition of such man's inhumanity to mankind.
"Today, it gives me great pleasure to commission and deliver additional security equipment, particularly outfitted patrol vehicles, to security organizations working in the state in order to increase the capability of our men in the line of duty of combating crime so that our people can go about their daily lives and businesses without concern for molestation or attack.
"By doing this, the agencies would be stronger and better able to carry out their constitutional obligations to safeguard people's lives and property and deter criminal activity in our beloved state.
"Let me emphasize that since we took over, our state has regularly procured and distributed vehicles to security forces. This is something we have done countless times. Because it directly affects the lives of the people who voted us into office, as a government we are aware of the shortcomings of our security services and are more willing than ever to offer our assistance.
As stated in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, "I wish to reassure the good people of Ondo State of our acknowledged dedication to the constitutional role of every government, which is the security of lives, property, and the welfare of the people (as Amended). This will continue to be our primary priority.
The governor was praised by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, for his efforts to protect the lives and property of the populace.
In order to support the efforts of the security services in battling crime, he also urged for the creation of a state police force and better arming of the Amotekun Corps.
