In a developing story from Osun state, Obinwannem News has gathered that the newly launched ” Amotekun ” security outfit for the Yoruba states will not be armed.

The governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola made the information public on Wednesday through his Chief press secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan.

Mr Omipidan who was speaking in a telephone conversation with “The Nation” stressed that it would not be necessary to arm the locals, referring to “Amotekun” the Joint security outfit of hunters, OPC, and the states’ Police.

“The idea behind it is not necessary to arm the locals. We are fashioning it after the civilian JTF in North East. The level of success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram was made possible by the support and cooperation of the civilian JTF because they are the locals, they gather intelligence, they know the area better than anybody.

“It is not that we want to arm the local militias.” He said.

The Joint security outfit was inaugurated on the 9th of January in the Oyo state capital, Ibadan, to curb the rise in kidnapping and other crimes in the region. Its head office is also in Ibadan.

Governor Oyetola declared his states’ preparedness to commence operations as part of the security team while also maintaining that the local militia will not be armed.

He said, “Before now we had prepared ground for the launch. We have acquired the vehicles which are fully equipped with communication gadgets. Our helipad to assist the security agents for air surveillance is about 97% completed. The personal has also been recruited.

Vladimir Chimaobi reporting, Obinwannem News