The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, has launched an aggressive crackdown on hard drug peddling and cultism following a surge in violence across the state. The initiative comes in response to cult-related killings that have claimed several lives in Ondo City over the past three weeks.
Speaking at a stakeholders' meeting under the Community Safety Partnership Initiative, Commissioner Afolabi expressed grave concern over the escalating security situation, particularly in motor parks where drug trafficking has been rampant.
Community Engagement to Combat Rising Crime
The meeting brought together local government officials, youth leaders, commercial drivers' representatives, and community members to discuss security challenges and foster collaboration between police and residents.
"We're going back to the drawing board to thoroughly address these issues, especially cult-related violence and drug peddling. I assure you, these problems will be comprehensively tackled," Afolabi stated during the engagement.
Some participants attributed the rising crime rate to political actors allegedly arming youths to pursue their ambitions. Youth leader Akintomide Akinkuolie raised concerns about alleged indiscriminate arrests of innocent individuals at bus stops, claiming police demanded money for their release.
Stakeholders Propose Solutions
Akintayo Richard, Chairman of the Ondo Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), appealed to the Commissioner to engage federal lawmakers representing the city for support in providing essential security equipment, including patrol vehicles and motorcycles.
Commercial drivers highlighted drug trafficking within motor parks as a significant contributor to violent clashes in the city. They advocated for the installation of CCTV cameras in motor parks, hotels, and other high-risk locations to enhance surveillance.
Another participant called for bye-laws to regulate the activities of scavengers, whom he blamed for various disruptions across the two local government areas.
Police Response Strategy
Commissioner Afolabi vowed to eradicate hard drug peddling from all motor parks in the affected areas including Ondo East, Ondo West, and Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo. He assured that police patrols would be intensified across every part of the local governments to deter criminal elements.
The Commissioner also committed to continued collaboration with other security outfits, including local hunters, vigilantes, and volunteer groups to combat cultism and related crimes. He provided his personal contact number to residents, promising confidentiality for all information shared with law enforcement.
Ayotunde Akinfolaranmi, Chairman of Ondo West Local Government Area, lauded the initiative as a vital step towards resolving security issues within the locality. Similarly, the Vice Chairman of Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area commended the Commissioner's proactive engagement.
The Community Safety Partnership Initiative aims to provide a framework for mutual trust and cooperation between the police and residents, enabling grassroots participation in crime prevention and security enhancement.
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