Mr Bolaji Ariyoh, Chairman, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government of Lagos State, has called for effective and proactive community policing by security operative to stem rising crimes in the area.
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Ariyoh made the call during a security meeting with security agencies in the area.
The meeting focused on security strategies towards forestalling breakdown of law and order in the community.
According to a statement issued by Mr Babajide Dada, Media Officer to the council, the meeting was aimed at mapping out strategies to ensure a secured environment during the extended lockdown and stay-at-home order, necessitated by the COVID-19.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that security threat had heightened in some areas of Lagos State following the extension of the lockdown order by another two weeks.
The chairman, however, expressed appreciation to residents for their compliance with the stipulated condition to avert further spread of COVID-19, in spite of the economic challenges.
He said that the issue of security of lives and properties was a fundamental function that must be met by every government at all levels.
“This is the reason for this security meeting; we want to reappraise the security system and improve on the security architecture of the local government.
“There is tension and fear in the community. Some miscreants have worsened the situation following the extension of the lockdown order.
“To ensure that our community is well secured through the effective community policing, we have designed a strategy to enhance the safety of lives and properties in our various communities,’’ Ariyoh was quoted as saying.
The Police Area Commander, ACP Akinbayo Olasoju, who represented the Commissioner of Police at the meeting, charged the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and other community representatives to prevent youths from further heightening tension in the area.
Burning of tyres, he said, portend danger to the health of the people, road and risk to the community guards.
According to him, community policing is everybody’s business and “it must be done in compliance with the engaging rules’’.
He warned against jungle justice, noting that “it is only a court of competent jurisdiction that can convict anyone found guilty’’.