Chief Ademola Bamidele, a community leader in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara,  on Friday  reiterated the community’s commitment to ensuring  adequate protection for banks  once they reopened.

Bamidele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Friday that the community depended much on the presence of banks to aid its economic growth and development.

NAN reports that the community had recorded violent robberies, especially in  banks with several casualties recorded.

The  May 14, 2013 attack  led to the indefinite closure of  commercial banks in the town,  forcing residents to travel more than 60 kilometres  to conduct banking transactions.

The banks had since  refused to open their branches in the town.

But Bamidele, the Ooye of  Omu-Aran, said the community had held series of meetings bordering  on security.

“Our traditional ruler, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Oladele Ibitoye and  the Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), had done a lot to improve  the  security system since the ugly incident.

“The community has also gone the extra mile to fortify its local security outfit and gave assistance and support to the police surveillance and patrol teams.

“While there is considerable increase in the number of police personnel, the recent introduction of 24-hour military patrol in the town is also part of the community’s efforts in that regard,” Bamidele said.

He also said  the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the length and breadth of the town was being planned to complement other security  initiatives.

Bamidele commended Landmark University, particularly the Chancellor, Bishop David Oyedepo, for donating a Toyota Hilux van to  assist in the security efforts.

He urged other philanthropists to emulate the gesture and contribute their quota toward the growth and development of the community.

(NAN)