CP Olanrewaju Ishola Urges Lagos Residents to Collaborate with Security Agencies
…as Senator Adebule hosts one-day training on Security and Community Relations for Traditional Rulers
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, has appealed to residents to work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of the state. He also cautioned traditional rulers against involvement in land disputes within the metropolis, emphasizing that such actions could undermine peace and security.
The Commissioner noted that security is a collective responsibility, warning that it would be wrong and counterproductive for any traditional ruler to connive with individuals promoting violence within their domains.
CP Ishola gave this charge in a message delivered at a one-day training program on Security and Community Relations for traditional rulers in the Lagos West Senatorial District. The event was held at Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule’s Lagos West Senatorial office in GRA, Ikeja.
Represented by DCP Ahmed Lateef of the State CID, Panti, the Commissioner of Police recounted an instance where police intervention was required to quell violence in the Abule Oki area. He highlighted that security agencies are not the only entities empowered to arrest individuals causing chaos, noting that the constitution allows citizens to apprehend offenders and hand them over to the police.
CP Ishola also urged traditional rulers to work closely with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) within their jurisdictions, reminding them of their roles as members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC). He encouraged residents to provide anonymous information to the police, assuring them that such tips would remain confidential to allay fears of exposure.
Describing Lagos West as the state’s largest senatorial district with immense business potential, the Commissioner acknowledged the challenges of criminal activities such as “one-chance” operations, especially in areas with poor road infrastructure. He added that the frequent arrest of commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders had significantly reduced crime rates in the state.
On her part, Senator Idiat Oluranti Adebule, the convener of the security training and representative of Lagos West Senatorial District, emphasized the importance of communal efforts in addressing security challenges. She encouraged residents to provide timely information to security operatives, stressing the need to balance both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to security.
Senator Adebule also highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in governance, likening their functions to those of the three arms of government. She said traditional leaders play a vital role in dispute resolution and advocacy on behalf of their subjects.
While presenting her scorecard for the past 18 months in the Senate, Adebule detailed her achievements, including grassroots engagements, regular distribution of palliatives, financial support, and the provision of fertilizers to farmers. She also mentioned the training of 200 individuals in fisheries, with a ₦100,000 grant each to support their ventures in the marine economy.
She revealed plans to construct a health center in a riverine community between Ojo and Amuwo to improve access to quality healthcare.
The Senator called for continued support for President Bola Tinubu, expressing confidence in his commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. She also pledged her unwavering commitment to preserving traditional institutions and cultural heritage.
