Insecurity in southwest : IGP meets OPC leaders in Lagos

Oredola Adeola |

In the wake of unchecked cases of kidnapping, banditry, and killing in South West coupled with the seven-day ultimatum handed down on the criminal Fulani herdsmen by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Ibaa Gani Adams, Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, on Tuesday received Mr.Jude .Nwankor, Chief of Staff to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu , to seek support in solving the security challenges in the country.

Ibaa Gani who received the IG's delegate at his house in Lagos, urged the IG to be proactive in tackling the various security issues in the country. He also affirmed his belief in boosting local security, suggesting that the best measure is to get people at the grassroots involved in local security.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, said, “there are pressures on me to act on the issues.

“OPC is ready to partner with the police in solving the security challenges in the country”, adding that “our group has a history of winning war against kidnapping, banditry and other social vices”.

“I commend the Inspector General of Police on this move. The visit, as far as I am concerned, is a welcome development and it goes a long way in solving the menace.

“The security situation in the country is becoming too worrisome with cases of Killings, kidnapping, raping and banditry prevalent across South-West states, and there is an urgent need to curb the menace.

In his reaction, Nwankor, who led the police team, said the reason for the visit “is to seek your support in solving the security challenges in the country”.

He said the police will be willing to partner with the Aare, giving his deep knowledge and experiences in the grassroots.

“We are happy to relate with you as a prominent voice in Yorubaland. We know there is no way we can secure the grassroots without local intelligence.

The IG has indicated interest in seeking your assistance and support and that is why we are here to tell you that the police, as an institution, is ready to partner with you”, he said

Other personalities present at the meeting included Asoju Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Yinka Oguntimehin, Assistant General Secretary of OPC, Mr. Lasun Ogunfowokan, Chief Superintendent of Police Peter Gana and Mrs Stella Gowon.

Adams later presented a letter to the IGP, indicating his support and proffering solutions to insecurity across the country.