The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has engaged major stakeholders on security challenges within the council and sought concerted efforts towards combating the emerging trend.
The broad coalition of security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, artisans, market associations, youth groups and residents, is part of a renewed effort to strengthen grassroots security and improve the IBLCDA authority’s efforts in protecting lives and properties.
The initiative, which is the maiden edition of the IBLCDA Security Summit under Aroyewun’s administration, is themed: “Strengthening Security Operations Towards Curbing Security Threats and Misinformation”.
At the summit, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Immigration Service, DSS, Joint Local Security Force, anti-drug advocacy groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, Community Development Committee officials, market leaders and other critical stakeholders engaged in extensive deliberations on practical strategies for improving safety and public vigilance across the LCDA.
Addressing participants, Chairman Aroyewun stressed that security could no longer be left solely in the hands of security agencies, insisting that residents, landlords, community leaders and institutions all have important roles to play in safeguarding their neighbourhoods.
He announced plans by his administration to establish a dedicated security support base within the LCDA, as part of efforts to strengthen local security infrastructure and improve operational support for security agencies working within the council area.
The Chairman also issued a strong warning against land grabbing and other forms of unlawful encroachment, declaring that his administration would continue to deploy every lawful means available to protect residents and preserve peace across the LCDA.
““I want to use this medium to tell our fathers and families that are bringing land grabbers into this community that what is happening are effects of what we are all causing and which we can no longer handle. Rascality of land gabbers is creating a serious menace in our society.
“It is quite unfortunate that some families brought Ajagugungables to the lands that are not even enough for the family members, and paid them N20million or N30million or 10 acres. But after bringing them, they will go out of hands and you will no longer be able to curtail their excesses.
“This is against the law which forbids anything that has to do with land grabbing. For how long are we going to do this? We can no longer tolerate this. I will not tolerate it”, he said.
On the issue of revenue collection, Aroyewun dissociated the council from reports regarding unauthorised midnight collections allegedly being carried out in some communities, urging residents to report any individual or group operating illegally in the name of the council.
He further expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and unverified reports within communities, describing fake news as a dangerous threat capable of creating panic, undermining security operations and weakening public trust.
“Security thrives on accurate information. When falsehood is allowed to spread unchecked, it creates fear, confusion and unnecessary tension within the community. We must all become responsible custodians of information”. he said.
Aroyewun also challenged landlords and property owners to take greater responsibility for activities within their premises by carrying out proper tenant profiling and ensuring that their properties do not become safe havens for criminal elements.
Representing the Divisional Police Officer of Ikorodu Division, CSP Akinola Clement, SP Samuel Susan provided insights into prevailing security concerns and highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration, ASI Mistura Afolashade Olowu, emphasised the need for communities to pay closer attention to resident identification and documentation, noting that vigilance remains a critical component of modern security management.
Coordinator of Social Watch Anti-Drug Abuse Advocacy (SWADAA), Comrade Adegoke Bamidele, drew attention to the strong relationship between substance abuse and criminal activities, urging residents to support efforts aimed at combating drug abuse within communities.
According to him, communities that tolerate drug abuse often become vulnerable to a wider range of security challenges, including violence, theft and social disorder.
The Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali, commended the security agencies and the LCDA administration for their proactive approach to security matters.
The monarch called on residents to cooperate with security operatives, embrace peaceful coexistence and remain committed to the collective responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Stakeholders at the summit unanimously agreed on the need for stronger intelligence sharing, improved community vigilance, responsible information dissemination and deeper collaboration between residents and security agencies.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to build a safer, more secure and more resilient Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, through sustained community engagement and collective action.
The council disclosed that the Security Summit will become a periodic platform for reviewing security challenges, strengthening partnerships and developing practical solutions to emerging threats within the LCDA.
