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By Oluwaseun Nubi
Mr Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area, has pledged to step up the fight against land grabbing, crime, and other security threats in the council area.
Aroyewun made the pledge on Thursday at a stakeholders’ security summit in Igbogbo.
The summit, with the theme “Strengthening Security Operations to Curb Security Threats and Misinformation”, was organised by the council following recent incidents that killed four people in the area.
He commended security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders for their quick response to emerging threats, adding that several suspects had been arrested in recent weeks.
“A lot has happened in the last two weeks that threatened the peace and harmony of our communities. I must commend our security personnel for the wonderful job they have done.
“A lot of arrests have been made and we have kept some of the details under wraps because of ongoing security operations,” he said.
The chairman described the recent killings in the area as unacceptable and vowed that government would no longer tolerate acts of violence and lawlessness.
“Four persons were killed in less than four hours. It is total madness and we are not going to tolerate it.
“As a government and as a community, we will take serious action against any form of rascality and criminality,” he said.
Aroyewun said land grabbing remained one of the council’s biggest security challenges and warned offenders to stop the practice.
“Land grabbing is creating serious problems in our society and it is against the law. We will not tolerate it.
“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) on this matter and decisive actions will be taken,” he said.
The chairman urged youths to pursue legitimate livelihoods, saying the council was creating economic opportunities through empowerment programmes and market development initiatives.
“We are creating markets and supporting businesses to bring prosperity and development to our communities. We cannot continue to take laws into our hands,” he said.
Aroyewun also warned against harbouring criminal elements, particularly in markets and settlements across the council area.
While addressing leaders of non-indigenous communities, he charged them to ensure adequate registration and proper documentation of their members.
“We will not tolerate anyone shielding criminals. We have agreed that residents must be properly documented and registered.
“Those who are law-abiding will continue to live with us peacefully, but those who create problems will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The chairman also disclosed plans to set up a security trust fund to provide logistics and operational support for security agencies in the council.
According to him, intelligence gathering remains critical to effective security operations.
“No security agency can succeed without timely and credible information. I urge residents not to hoard useful information.
“Any information provided will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” he said.
Aroyewun also warned residents against spreading false information on social media, describing misinformation as a serious security threat.
“False information creates panic and unnecessary tension. We must verify information before sharing it because misinformation is dangerous and can amount to cybercrime,” he said.
The chairman further directed owners of abandoned and uncompleted buildings to clear and secure such structures, warning that they often serve as hideouts for criminals.
“If you have any uncompleted building, clean it up. Government will issue timelines and take necessary action against defaulters because such structures harbour criminal elements,” he said.
Also speaking, a security consultant, Mr Joel Adisa, emphasised the need for community participation in security management.
Adisa described security operations as coordinated efforts aimed at protecting lives, property, critical assets and information.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Government and security agencies alone cannot solve all security challenges without the cooperation of residents,” he said.
He warned against the growing trend of misinformation, noting that false reports often create fear and undermine security efforts.
“Misinformation is the spreading of false information without verification. Residents must verify information before forwarding it to others,” he said.
The Lagos State Coordinator of Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign, Mr Adeleke Babatunde, identified drug abuse as a major factor fueling criminal activities in communities.
Babatunde appealed to government at all levels to establish anti-drug abuse structures and awareness programmes across communities.
“Drug abuse remains one of the major causes of crime in our society. We are pleading with our leaders to ensure that anti-drug abuse campaigns are established in all communities, LCDAs and LGAs.
“If we are serious about tackling insecurity, then we must address the issue of substance abuse among our youths,” he said.
He also urged parents to cooperate with anti-drug agencies by speaking up when their children become involved in substance abuse.
According to him, parents must not shield children involved in drugs but should work closely with relevant authorities to curb the menace.
“Parents need to work with the agency to tackle drug abuse. They should not keep silent when their children are involved because together we can reduce crime and make our communities safer,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was attended by Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen, community leaders, traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, market leaders, religious leaders and residents from various communities within Igbogbo/Baiyeku.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
