By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Stakeholders have converged to discuss improving security in Ekiti Local Government Area and surrounding communities in Kwara, stressing urgent collaboration to tackle rising threats.
At the Ekiti Security Development Summit in Ilorin, participants agreed that “security is everyone’s business” and called for intensified collective efforts.
The summit, with the theme ‘Collaborative Approaches to Enhancing Community Security and Safety’, was organised by Ekiti Kwara Youth Navigator and Community Voice Initiative.
President of Ekiti Kwara Youth Navigator, Abubakar Yusuf, said the programme was prompted by worsening insecurity in the local government area.
Yusuf said: “We have community-based organisations here who will take the message back to their members and ensure wider awareness.
“We are collaborating with the local government chairman to ensure suggested measures are implemented beyond this summit.”
Convener of Community Voice Initiative, Awe Babatunde, described the theme as “timely and urgent” amid growing insecurity concerns.
“Incidents of banditry and violent attacks have created fear and uncertainty among our people.
“This summit is not just a meeting; it is a call to action. We must act decisively and collectively,” he said.
Babatunde stressed that security required collaboration among agencies, community leaders, civil society, and youths.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire, said police needed community support to tackle insecurity effectively.
Represented by ASP Solomon Alatise, Ejire urged residents to report suspicious activities to aid intelligence gathering.
Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, Gabriel Awelewa, proposed community security committees to enhance preparedness.
Represented by Gabriel Agbemuko, he said communities must be proactive and not depend solely on government intervention.
He warned against complacency, noting that attacks in neighbouring areas signal proximity of threats.
Kwara PDP Youth Leader, Adio Odunjo, urged communities to address root causes of insecurity alongside immediate responses.
Chairman of Kwara Forest Guards, Michael Owolabi, called for greater support, noting that criminals possessed superior equipment.
Owolabi commended the local government chairman for prioritising security across the area.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Kamal Tayo Oropo
