Ogun assembly tasks security agencies on rising kidnapping cases

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

Concerned by the rising spate of insecurity occasioned by recurring cases of kidnapping in some parts of the State, the Ogun State House of Assembly has tasked the various heads of security formations in the State to strengthen their operations by collaborating with local security networks including vigilante service, so safe corps and other stakeholders on security.

The Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo threw the challenge, while responding to the separate submissions of the members representing Odeda, Ogun Waterside, Remo North and Ijebu North State Constituencies, Honourables Oludaisi Elemide, Adekunle, Kolawole Awolaja and Segun Kaka, who spoke under Personal Explanation on the various security challenges being experienced by the constituents at a plenary session held at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Oluomo added that it had become imperative for the security agencies to consider an effective review of its operations, with a sustained collaboration with local security who, according to him, possessed a better knowledge of the territorial architecture of the communities where the crimes were being committed.

He stated that there was need to evolve more collaborative strategies at tackling local crimes and criminalities, including kidnapping and land-grabbing with a view to ensuring effective security networks in protecting lives and property of all the residents in the State.

The Speaker equally challenged the new State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu to live to his promise of curbing the excesses of land grabbers across the State, noting that the 10th Assembly under his leadership would consider a review of some sections of the Anti-Kidnapping and Land Grabbing Law, 2016 for more effectiveness.

Calling on the leadership of the 10th National Assembly to re-consider the creation of State Police/community policing, Speaker Olumo stated that the creation of such would empower the local residents to easily provide the necessary security intelligence to assist the police towards securing lives and property of the people in the State.

Earlier, Honourables Oludaisi Elemide, Lawal Adekunle, Awolaja Kolawole and Segun Kaka had decried the incessant cases of kidnapping in some parts of their constituencies, including Olodo portion of Obantoko/Ibadan Road in Odeda, riverine communities in Ogun Waterside and Saapade/Fidiwo/Ogunmakin; appealing to the Security agencies to rise up to the task of securing the lives of the people in their respective communities.

Meanwhile, the presentation of the State lawmakers’ inaugural speech continues today as a member representing Abeokuta South 1 State Constituency, Hon. Lukmon Atobatele presented his speech with a call for implementation of qualitative education through empowerments for teachers and equipping students for easy learning, especially the development of Infrastructure in schools to create a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning.

He listed other areas of interest he would pursue vigorously to include canvassing for more infrastructural development in his constituency, youth empowerments, promotion of entrepreneurship and job creation, while advocating for a more united collaboration among all arms of government to ensure improved service to the people of the State.