Ekiti battles insecurity in 2021 budget, sets aside N1.4bn for Amotekun 

The Ekiti Government, on Sunday said it was not taking anything to chance in 2021 addressing the growing insecurity in the state, particularly kidnapping.

It therefore voted N1.4billion for the State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, in its 2021 budget.

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The Commissioner for Budget, Mr Femi Ajayi made this known at a press conference in Ado Ekiti where he gave the detailed analysis of the N109.666 budget passed by the state legislative and recently assented to by Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

Controversies

Controversies have continued to trailed the formation of the Western Security Network, known as Amotekun, owing to allegations of high-handedness and abuse of human rights in some quarters.

Recently Amnesty International, human rights activists and some lawyers urged the Federal Government to restrain the funders before the security outfit graduate to tribal militia.

There is a growing fear that the security network may turn to tribal militia especially as allegations against the operatives’ targeting other ethnic nation nationalities continue to pile up.

Why huge budget for Amotekun

The state commissioner for Budget, Ajayi said that the government prioritise security in a bid to ‘further attract investment and ensure safety of all investors and residents.’

He said, ”Following the incessant security challenges which include kidnapping, herders/farmers clashes, robberies in the country, to ensure the security of lives and properties, Governor Kayode Fayemi inaugurated the Ekiti State Security Trust Fund coined ‘Amotekun’ in collaboration with other South-Western States on 19th October, 2020.

“A sum of N1.44 billion has been earmarked as capital allocation for Amotekun Corps.

“For procurement of Drones for surveillance, a sum of N550 million has been earmarked while a total of N320 million will be spent on safety city project and the Ekiti State Security Trust Fund will gulp a sum of N55 million.”