Ogun State Ups Security with Tech to Combat Rising Insecurity

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has revealed that his administration is taking proactive steps to address the growing insecurity in the country. During a strategic meeting of the All Progressives Congress held at the Presidential Lodge in Ibara, Abeokuta, Abiodun stated that the state is set to deploy technology-driven solutions to strengthen its security architecture. The governor described the increasing cases of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in parts of the country as disturbing and assured residents that his administration would take measures to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in Ogun State. Abiodun said, 'We are rising to the occasion of insecurity by deploying technology to safeguard the lives of our people. We will not wait for anyone to come and attack us.' He reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property through investments in security infrastructure, collaboration with security agencies, and community engagement. The governor also stated that his administration is paying special attention to the security of schools and other educational institutions, emphasizing that children must be adequately protected. According to him, the state has intensified security measures around schools through increased surveillance, deployment of security personnel to strategic locations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and the use of modern technology to monitor vulnerable areas. Abiodun disclosed that while his administration had made significant investments in infrastructure development, greater attention would now be given to human capital development and social intervention programs aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship on residents. He reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of the people and ensuring that the benefits of governance reach all segments of society. The governor commended members of the APC in Ogun State for conducting peaceful primary elections. Earlier, Ogun APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, praised party members for their conduct during and after the primaries, noting that the meeting was convened to strengthen mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor's remarks come amid renewed concerns over security in parts of the state. On Tuesday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, confirmed the killing of a soldier and four others during a failed kidnap attempt involving Chinese expatriates at Magbon in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. Akari said one of the suspected kidnappers was also killed, while another soldier and two police officers sustained gunshot injuries during the incident. According to him, the joint team of soldiers and police officers responded to a distress call before coming under attack from armed men suspected to be kidnappers near a dredging site where expatriate workers were operating.