Ondo State government, on Thursday, expressed appreciation to Nigerian Army for its roles in making the country a peaceful place to live in.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, expressed the appreciation while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi, who paid him a familiarisation visit in his office in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa , who noted that no meaningful development could happen in an environment devoid of peace, also commended the 32 Artillery, Akure, for helping in stemming down the spate of kidnapping in the state.
“We want to appreciate the Nigerian Army for its efforts at ensuring that the country is at peace. If not for your efforts, the story could have been different.
“We appreciate the role of security agencies and we take into cognizance the fact that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace.
“We also commend the 32 artillery for its commitment to keeping the state peaceful. Their operations have gone a long in stemming down kidnapping in the state.
“The synergy among security agencies has helped a lot and government has been supporting them with logistics.
“We have been providing intelligence to the army through our people and we will continue doing it in our capacity,” he said.
Earlier, the GOC said that he was happy with the peaceful atmosphere in Akure, promising that his men would ensure it was sustained.
Chibuisi, who was on a tour of formations under his command, said officers and men of the army, would ensure that the relative peace being enjoyed in the state was sustained by following the rule of engagement.
“We are assuring you that this formation will continue to work assiduously to ensure the sustenance of peace in this state.
“We will work with other security agencies and we will appreciate the civil authorities, especially the state government,” he said.