Disturbed by increasing rate of insecurity, the Ondo State Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Adeyanju has warned criminal-minded individuals to relocate from the state.
He particularly urged youths in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area to desist from their criminal acts or face prosecution.
Adeyanju gave these warnings at a one-day security summit held at Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area; where he solicited the support of residents in tackling security issues in the communities.
The summit was convened by the Igbotako Community Development Council (ICDC) to proffer solutions to the increasing security threats in the community.
Recall that there had been series of kidnapping, robbery and cultism in the town in the last few years which has generated anxiety in the minds of residents.
The CP, who described the series of criminal activities being perpetrated by youths in the area as disturbing, added that the command was battle-ready to fortify the community in particular and the state in general.
Adeyanju, however, urged youths in the community with criminal tendencies to have a rethink as the command has mapped out strategies to deal with anyone caught in criminal activities.
He said: “I was so touched and moved when some people of the community led by Chief Paddy Arikawe and four others came to my office about two weeks ago and reeled off the criminal activities in Igbotako and I told them I will be at the summit to address the community.
“I want to warn our youths in Igbotako and other neighbouring towns that our command is battle-ready to deal with anyone found to be involved in all these criminal acts.
“The Kabiyesi has given me names of some groups in the community such as Ojota Boys, Idi Aba Boys, Lions Junction and other tips that I will not mention. I want to assure everyone that you will begin to see results of our intervention in Igbotako any moment from now.”
The Convener of the Summit and leader of the community, Chief Arikawe, who commended the CP for attending the event, said all cases of kidnapping, robbery and cultism in the community were disturbing.
Arikawe advised parents to caution their children, saying police are coming to the town for a serious business.
He said: “We can’t hide our problems in this community any longer because we have miscreants and irresponsible elements among our youths. We want the command to save us. The community will join hands with the CP to get rid of criminals in our town.”
A youth leader, Omotoye Olusola, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, noted that the summit was a huge success, stressing that the youth would co-operate with the police for peace to reign in the community.
While decrying the rate of unemployment in the area, he urged leaders in the community to devise a means of empowering the youth to enable them to be gainfully employed.
Prominent sons and daughters of the town who attended the summit were Maj-Gen. Olu Bajowa (rtd), Chief S.O Akinnurun, Dr Falolu Adeyekun, Mr Ola Iwaeni, Mr Tunde Olamoju and Dr Segun Ayodele, among others.
The traditional rulers at the summit were the Rebuja of Osooro, Oba Gbadebo Bajowa; Oniju of Iju-Odo, Oba Festus Olumoyegun and other traditional rulers in neighbouring towns and villages.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Charge of Operations, Ajani Musbau, the Police Spokesman, Femi Joseph and the Divisional Police Office (DPO) Igbotako, Abayomi Fidelis were also in attendance.
