The Lagos State Government has assured farmers in the state of government’s readiness to tackle the scourge of kidnapping by providing adequate security to ensure safety of lives and property.

This assurance was given on Tuesday by the State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, who represented the Governor during a meeting with representatives of farmers and community leaders of Igbodu/Isiwo axis of Epe area of Lagos who had staged a peaceful protest to the Governor’s Office to demand government’s intervention in the area.

Adebule expressed her displeasure with the development, stating that in spite of government's efforts to make the State safe and livable for residents and investors, some unscrupulous persons still engage in criminal activities in order to make life difficult for their fellow human beings.

She said: “Let me assure you that the State Government is not resting on its oars. We are doing all we can to guarantee the safety of lives and restore peace in the area. Currently, the State government is speaking with the Federal Government to see how they can work with us to combat the problems of insecurity because we cannot do it alone.

“We sympathise with you and we beg for your understanding. I will relay your complaints to GovernorAmbode for further and appropriate action on the matter.”

Mr. Ayokunle Ore, a spokesperson for the group, said that their farms had been under sustained attacks by kidnappers since September 2016 and urged the State Government to seek the support of the Federal Government to extend the mandate of the Joint Taskforce (JTF) to Igbodu/Isiwo axis of Epe to curtail the high rate of kidnapping in the area.

While thanking the State Government for finding time to meet with them, he pleaded that the issue of kidnapping in the area needs to be handled as a matter of urgency as their investments have been going down the drain and their lives at risk.