The Executive Chairman of the Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, organised a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss ways to further strengthen security in Ikorodu community.
The meeting, which was held at the Council’s Secretariat hall, was well attended by heads of security agencies, market leaders, politicians, council officials and staff, Arewa community, Community Development Committee (CDC), Community Development Associations (CDAs), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ikorodu Chapter, Muslim Community, traditional institution and residents among others.
Also in attendance were representatives of para-military agencies and local security outfits such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch and Safety Corps (LNSC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Ikorodu Local Government Security Task Force and others.
Meanwhile, in his address, Hon. Adesina explained that the security stakeholders’ meeting was held due to the urgent need to discuss ways to further improve security in Ikorodu, considering the security challenges besetting the nation.
He added that he has decided to be proactive rather than be reactive to the security issues in Ikorodu and urged those in attendance to make meaningful contributions and suggestions which he said would be given adequate consideration in the formulation of security policies by a security committee to be constituted soon by the council.
Hon. Adesina also announced that the council would engage the service of 50 Vigilante guards to complement the Ikorodu Local Government Security Taskforce in securing Ikorodu and environs.
According to him, 20 out of the Vigilante guards would be deployed to other councils in the division while the other 30 would operate in Ikorodu community, after screening.
Moreso, while lauding the Lagos State government for the recent ban on Okada operations in the State, the Council boss said that the ban is justified and long overdue, adding that most times, perpetrators of social vices succeed in their criminal activities through the use of the motorcycles.
He directed that Okada riders in Ikorodu should not carry more than one passenger at a time, warning that violators would be arrested starting from July 1.
“While we’re looking at different ways to combat insecurities in our communities, we also have to set some regulations in place to help our law enforcement agencies do their work effectively.
“Crime propellers in our community can easily operate with Okada, which makes it hard for our law enforcement to spring into action on time. But if we insert regulations to curtail the deeds, though it will be tough on our residents, it will drastically reduce the crime rate. It is a bitter-sweet ruling, but a win for peace and tranquility.
“This is why from July 1, 2022, (through our law enforcement agencies) we shall only allow Okada riders to carry just one passenger per trip, any okada rider that fails to adhere to the rule at any given time will face the Law for defaulting.
“I want to implore the good people of Ikorodu Local Government to support our numerous security agencies to fight against insecurities across our vicinities.
“So far, we’ve seen a drastic decline in crime rate according to our DPOs, and we intend to keep it going down till we can have a very peaceful Ikorodu, a perfect destination for all”, Hon. Wasiu Adesina added.
In his own contribution, D.P.O Shagamu Police Station, CSP Adekunle Omishakin stated that the security situation in the country is worrisome, but that the statistic at their disposal indicates that security has improved in Ikorodu division in the recent time and urged that the peace presently being enjoyed across the division must be strengthened.
He urged the public to desist from harbouring criminals, and share sensitive information with relevant security agencies, while he also stated that people should stop justifying wrongdoing in a bid to appear moral.
“What is morally right may be legally wrong and what is legally right may be morally wrong, most times we fall at the wrong side of the law claiming morality against legality.
“Our biggest challenge is the enemy within who are concealing their love ones engaging in criminal activities. This has become a serious challenge to law enforcement. If we must eradicate crimes, it means we must work collectively as a people”.
While corroborating his colleague, CSP Aderemi Balogun, D.P.O Igbogbo Road Police Station, Ikorodu, explained that the lack of cooperation from residents is a major challenge affecting police operations in Ikorodu.
He said that there is no way crimes would be defeated if the people keep working against the law and appealed for a change of attitude towards the enforcement of law in order to enhance security.
In the same vein, representatives of different para-military agencies; LSNSC Co-ordinator, Ikorodu Local government, Mr. Sanni Ibrahim, FRSC, Mr. Alabi Oluwaseyi, Civil Defence Service Corps, DS Adegboyega, Immigration officer, Mrs. Aminat Adebayo and Mr. Kehinde Adewuyi, NDLEA, all offered useful information, suggestions and recommendations to improve security and sustain peace in Ikorodu.
Also, Alhaja Taofeeqat Allison, Iya Oloja of Ikorodu, Alhaji M.D. Hassan, Secretary, Arewa Community, Ikorodu, Chief Olukayode Olomo, Baale Ojogbe, representative of Ikorodu Council of Baales, and representatives of other groups and associations, promised to cooperate with the police and other various security outfits to guarantee peace in Ikorodu, while equally urging other residents to do same.
The event was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by the Vice-chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, Aarebirin (Hon.) Princess Folashade Olabanji-Oba