Makinde visits assaulted OYRTMA officials, condemns action

From Rotimi Agboluaje, Ibadan

OYO State governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, condemned the brutalisation of two officials of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency ( OYRTMA) by Nigeria Immigration Service personnel in Ibadan.

The governor decried the inhumane treatment meted out to the OYRTMA officials for apprehending an officer of the Immigration Service who violated traffic rules.

Governor Makinde stated this on Monday, when he paid visits to the two assaulted officials, Mr Nurudeen Abiola, resident at Binukonu Olunloyo Area and Mr Taiwo Adeagbo, resident at Oke‘ Badan area, as well as the Nigeria Immigration Service, Oyo State Command. He said the incident was unfortunate and should not has happened.

According to him, Oyo State wants to be known for upholding the rule of law , where everyone obeys traffic rules, irrespective of their status. He assured the victims that the state government would take necessary action and bring the culprits to book. He said: “First, this should not be happening at all. It is very unacceptable. Whether you are Immigration official or you work for other paramilitary agencies, these individuals are just trying to enforce the laws of the state.

“The fact that you work for a federal agency does not mean you are superior. So, I have asked the Attorney- General to ensure we follow this through.

“We will write to the Immigration authorities and prosecute the people involved, as this is not acceptable in Oyo State.”

Also speaking at the office of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, where he was received by Comptroller Abdulrasheed Ademola, Governor Makinde advocated better intra and inter- agency cooperation among security agencies in the state.