Oyo is Safe, AIG Zone 11 Assures Residents During Duty Tour

The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 11, Fred Ekokotu, has assured residents of Oyo State of their safety, urging them to go about their lawful duties without fear. The AIG gave this assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, as part of his two-day duty tour to the command.

AIG Ekokotu was received by the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, alongside heads of other security agencies and representatives from community groups, including the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).

Addressing the gathering, AIG Ekokotu affirmed that Oyo State is currently calm and will continue to be, crediting the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, for being on top of all security situations. He emphasized that security is the bedrock of development and charged all stakeholders and sister security agencies to collaborate with the Commissioner of Police to ensure continued peace and safety for the benefit of all.

The AIG also commended the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Johnson Adenola, for his efforts in carrying out the IGP’s vision to make all parts of Nigeria safe for citizens. He specifically warned criminals to vacate the state, reiterating that the Commissioner of Police has declared Oyo a hostile environment for crime and criminality. Ekokotu called on residents to consistently provide credible information, which he described as vital for effective policing.

Speaking on manpower, AIG Ekokotu mentioned that the ongoing recruitment of 10,000 policemen, approved by President Bola Tinubu, will bolster the strength of police commands nationwide, including Oyo State, upon their graduation from training schools.

In his welcome address, CP Johnson Adenola acknowledged the existing security challenges in Oyo State, similar to other parts of the federation, including armed robbery, murder, farmer-herder conflicts, kidnapping, and land grabbing. He highlighted the inadequate strength of police officers and men to maintain law and order effectively and appealed to the AIG for the deployment of additional officers to bridge the manpower gap. The CP also spoke of the strategic eight-point action plan implemented on his assumption of duty, tailored to the state’s needs and focused on responsive policing, advanced intelligence, and technology-driven methods. He praised the cooperation of other security agencies, particularly the Amotekun Corps, in complementing police efforts.

AIG Ekokotu’s tour of Oyo State also included courtesy calls on traditional rulers, such as the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afọlábí Oladunni Ọláoyè, and the Alaafia of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, further reinforcing the message of collaboration and commitment to safety.