Nigeria Police Take Proactive Measure Against Ethnicity War In Ogun
Omooba Risawe
Authorities of Nigeria Police, Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun States on Thurrsday took a proactive measure to avoid replica of the recent Ile-Ife bloodshed between the Hausas and host community, where 46 persons were confirmed killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police(AIG) Kayode Aderanti towards this, met with ethnic groups and host communities in Sagamu. The town is known to accommodate larger number of other ethinics group,marority who are Hausas and Igbos.
The meeting took place at town hall located in Akarigbo palace, and in attendance include; ,traditional rulers of various communities in Sagamu,Seriki Hausa,Seriki Fulani, Ndigbo, Heads of various para-military organisations among others.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police,while speaking at the well attended meeting said the meeting was aimed to sensitize on need to live together in peace.
Aderanti who was accompanied by Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu and other police shots,pointed out that the meeting had made his day,having come to exchange ideas with them.
‘The forum has made my day. I came here to exchange ideas with you. Police care to know about your welfare and security, and I want us to believe in ourselves’, he said.
The AIG, called on residents to always give intelligence report to the police, and also report any suspects and crime early enough.
‘Whenever you see anything, say something. We are all aware of security challenges in this country. Whenever you see anything,say something. Nigeria Police Force is for you. I want you to believe in us avail us all intelligent information’,he said.
Earlier in his welcome speech, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Ilyasu said, the meeting was memorable, being first such to be called by his boss, as a measure to ensure that the residents and communities enjoys peaceful co-existence.
He gave assurance that,his command shall continued to encourage unity and peace among the host communities and other ethnic groups in the state.
The various ethnic leaders in the communities spoke with one voice of living in peaceful manner and as one family member,adding that any issue considered might turn out violence shall be reported to the police.
‘Sagamu is a cosmopolitan area. The relationship between ethnic group and host communities has been peaceful and we shall maintain such. We are cautious of not going against the law of the land. Any issue considered to be getting out of hand shall always be reported to police’,they explained.
Meanwhile, the Hausa community in the town has appealed to the police on need to approve the establishment of a police station in Sabo area of the town, which hosted larger number of them,disclosing that they have land to be provided for the construction.
PIX Attached: Aderanti(AIG) and Illyasu(Ogun Police Commissioner) during the meeting
