Wilfred Afolabi, the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, has begun a statewide assault on hard drug dealing, with a focus on motor parks.
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At a meeting called by the Community Safety Partnership Initiative, Afolabi voiced his deep concern over the recent uptick in cult-related incidents and murders in Ondo City, which had taken multiple lives in the last three weeks.
Gathering first-hand information on security difficulties faced by people and fostering closer collaboration between the police and the communities are the goals of the meeting, which is being convened at the instance of the Commissioner.
By laying the groundwork for police-community trust and cooperation, the Community Safety Partnership Initiative encourages citizens to take an active role in reducing crime and strengthening community safety.
Some audience members blamed political players for the increasing crime rate throughout the interaction, saying that they were arming young people so that they could achieve their dreams.
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Police, according to youth leader Akintomide Akinkuolie, have been randomly arresting people at bus stations and then allegedly demanding ransom to let them go.
In addition, Akintayo Richard, who is the chairman of the Ondo Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), pleaded with the commissioner to approach federal politicians who represent the city and ask for funding to purchase necessary security equipment, such as motorbikes and patrol vehicles.
Concerns were voiced by representatives of commercial drivers regarding drug trafficking at motor parks, which they said had been a major factor in the city’s violent conflicts.
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For better protection, they pushed for the deployment of closed-circuit television cameras in hotels, parking lots, and other potentially dangerous areas.
Akinsebikan, another participant, demanded the creation of bye-laws to control scavengers, whom he said were responsible for a number of disturbances in the two LGAs.
The afflicted communities, including Ondo East, Ondo West, and Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo, have their motor parks targeted by Commissioner Afolabi, who has promised to end the sale of hard drugs there.
In order to dissuade lawbreakers, he further promised that police patrols would be stepped up throughout all local governments.
According to Afolabi, the police will keep working with other security groups, like as vigilantes, local hunters, and other volunteer organisations, to fight cultism and associated crimes.
With his personal contact number available and a promise of secrecy for all information submitted with police authorities, he asked citizens to report suspicious activities in their areas.
For a comprehensive solution to these problems, particularly drug peddling and violence within cults, we’re going to have to start all over. “I can guarantee you that we will address these issues thoroughly,” Afolabi stated.
Following the meeting, Ondo West Local Government Area Chairman Ayotunde Akinfolaranmi spoke highly of the idea, calling it a critical step in addressing security concerns in the area.
Benjamin, speaking on behalf of the council chairman, the vice chairman of the Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area, praised the commissioner for his proactive participation and assured that everyone involved would continue to be careful and follow the rules.
He lauded the Commissioner for being transparent about his personal interaction, saying that it would encourage security officers to be more accountable and responsive.