A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the heads of security agencies in the country to take decisive action against those financing insecurity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye condemned the recent attacks in Benue and Plateau states, where numerous innocent people were killed, describing the violence as both tragic and unacceptable.
He stated that the continued access of bandits to essential resources like food and ammunition has made it challenging to effectively tackle their activities. However, Oyintiloye argued that once the supply chains of these basic needs and weapons are disrupted, particularly by arresting those funding the criminals, the security agencies will be in a better position to curb the insurgents’ operations.
“To effectively combat insecurity in the country, it is crucial to focus on the individuals and organisations that are financing criminal activities and insurgencies. This requires a comprehensive approach, including strengthening intelligence gathering, implementing robust anti-corruption measures, and fostering international cooperation to disrupt financial flows,” he said.
Oyintiloye pointed out that this area should be a key focus for security agencies, acknowledging that while they have made efforts to combat insecurity, more work is needed to expose and dismantle the networks supporting these criminal activities.
“The security agencies have made significant strides, and the results of their efforts are evident for all to see. However, there is still much more to be done to uncover and address the sponsors of these heinous acts,” he added.
The APC chieftain also condemned the ongoing killings of innocent Nigerians, stressing that such violence should not be allowed to continue unchecked. He also criticised those using the insecurity to score political points against the President, labelling them enemies of the nation.
While commending President Tinubu for his efforts to tackle insecurity over the past two years, Oyintiloye urged the President to allow for the public prosecution of those funding the bandits.
“Arresting the financiers of insurgency without addressing the issues within the criminal justice system, such as prosecuting them publicly, may not yield the desired results,” he said.
According to Oyintiloye, tackling the root causes of insecurity, including high unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, and a weak criminal justice system, is essential to achieving long-term peace and stability in Nigeria.
