The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, has appealed to residents to work closely with security agencies in securing the state.
Ishola urged traditional rulers to avoid being found wanting in land disputes in any part of the state, saying that since security is the duty of all, it would be counterproductive for any traditional ruler to connive with those encouraging violence in this regard within their domain.
The commissioner made these pleas at a one-day training on security and community relations for traditional rulers in Lagos West Senatorial District held at the GRA, Ikeja senatorial office of the lawmaker representing the district in the National Assembly, Dr Idiat Adebule.
Represented by Ahmed Lateef, a Deputy Commissioner of Police from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Panti, Ishola explained that it is not only security agencies that have the power to arrest crime suspects, the constitution provides the people with the power to also make arrests and hand suspects over to the police.
Ishola called on the traditional rulers to work closely with the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in their domains since they are also members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in their respective areas.
While responding to questions from some of the traditional rulers at the programme, the CP said residents could give anonymous information to the police to allay the fear of such information getting to concerned suspects.
He described Lagos West as rich with business potentials that are critical to tge socio-economic development of the state.
According to him, the district still faces the activities of one-chance robbers and other criminals, especially in areas where roads are bad.
The organiser of the security training, the senator representing Lagos West, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the forum was to demonstrate the beauty and benefits of communal efforts in tackling security challenges in the area.
Senator Adebule urged her fellow constituents to be proactive and give timely information to security operatives for the safety of their lives and property.
She explained that any security plan without the involvement of the people at the grassroots would not succeed, noting that the forum was to strengthen the synergy between the traditional institution and security agencies.
According to her, traditional rulers play a vital role like the three arms of government as they settle disputes and make advocate on behalf of their subjects.
Giving highlights of her activities in the Senate in the last 18 months, Adebule said she had continued engaging with the grassroots through regular palliatives distribution, cash rewards, distribution of fertilisers to farmers, training of 200 people in fisheries with N100,000 support for each of them in line with the new drive of marine economy in the country.
The lawmaker disclosed that plans are under way to construct a health centre in a riverine town between Ojo and Amuwo to improve the residents’ access to quality health care.
Senator Adebule called for support for President Bola Tinubu, saying that he understood the challenges of the country and was committed to solving them.
She reiterated her dedication to promoting the traditional institution and culture at all times.
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