Kidnapping: Osun converts park to security base

Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola says to effectively police the OsogboGbongan-Ibadan Road, the popular Olajoku's Park located at Gbongan Junction will be rehabilitated and converted to a joint task force base of the security agencies.

Addressing reporters after inspecting the facilities yesterday, Oyetola said the decision was based on the need to properly police the area to halt activities of kidnappers and other criminals.

The park, built in 2013 in memory of the late businessman cum politician, Alhaji Hassan Olajoku, was to serve as the state's central relaxation centre for motorists in transit.

The governor reiterated the administration's commitment to the security and welfare of the people, saying "We are set to rejuvenate this place for the purpose of enhancing the security profile of the state. We are doing this in respect of the significance of this place being the central point that adjoins the state with other states like Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun, among others.

"As you all know, our administration has been working hard to strengthen the security by forming Joint Security Task Force. Thus, having its base here would go a long way to helping to serve the purpose.

"With this move, the entire highways will be secured. This is a central point particularly the way to Ibadan, Ondo, Ekiti, and Ogun. I am happy for the location of this place. This will help to properly nip in the bud the security challenges. This is in furtherance to the fact that we are concerned about the security of our people.”