The Oyo State Executive Council under governor Seyi Makinde, has approved ₦7.7billion for the procurement of two aircraft to combat banditry, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in the state.
Just last month, the Oyo State Executive Council approved ₦63.4billion for government House renovation, which led to an uproar by concerned citizens and the media. Governor Makinde later responded that it was due to Naira-dollar exchange rate fluctuations, despite the fact that the exchange rate has fairly been stable at ₦1,500 to $1.
The recent ₦7.7billion approval for aircraft purchase was revealed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan by Prince Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation.
Oyelade disclosed that the procurement of the aircraft was approved during the weekly meeting of the council held on Tuesday.
He emphasised the approval was in accordance with the renewed determination of the Makinde-led government to secure the state from the influx of bandits and other criminals hellbent on causing insecurity.
“The two light aircraft, DA 42 MNG model, to be procured, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, with sophisticated surveillance gadgets capable of identifying targets from high and low altitudes.
“The preference for these aircraft instead of helicopters is because they are less expensive to maintain.
“Its spare parts are accessible, and also, as the Nigerian Air Force possesses a number of the model, which gives room for synergy,” the Oyelade said.
He further stated that the council acknowledged that there were still pockets of kidnappings and banditry going on in some parts of the state despite the relative peace being enjoyed.
