Our Reporter
The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has declared zero tolerance for cultism and other forms of violence in Baiyeku, warning that anyone found perpetrating or sponsoring criminal activities will face the full weight of the law, regardless of their status or connections.
Aroyewun issued the warning on Friday during a meeting with the Baale of Baiyeku, Chief Saheed Ajibode, and community stakeholders held at the IBLCDA conference room, following recent violent incidents that claimed lives and heightened security concerns in the area.
The Chairman, who was accompanied by the Councillor representing Ward C3, Hon. (Princess) Saidat Adeoba Odeyemi; the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Qudus Oduntan; and the Chief of Staff, Hon. Wasiu Olowu, expressed condolences to families who had lost loved ones in the violence.
He described the incidents as unacceptable, stressing that every resident deserves to live and carry out lawful activities without fear of attack or intimidation.
Aroyewun assured stakeholders that his administration would work closely with security agencies to restore and sustain peace in the community.
He warned that individuals implicated in cult-related violence, as well as those financing or encouraging such activities, would be handed over to the appropriate security authorities.
The Chairman made it clear that he would neither shield offenders nor intervene on their behalf, irrespective of their family backgrounds, political affiliations or personal connections.
He also challenged parents, guardians and community leaders to take greater responsibility for the conduct of young people, urging them to pay attention to their movements, associations and activities.
According to him, relatives and friends must resist the temptation to conceal criminal activities or protect individuals involved in cultism, as such actions only encourage further violence and endanger innocent residents.
He urged members of the public to report suspected cult activities and other security threats promptly to the police, emphasising that lasting peace requires the cooperation of residents, traditional institutions and law enforcement agencies.
In his response to appeal by stakeholders for speedy completion of the police station under construction in Baiyeku, Aroyewun reiterated his administration’s determination to collaborate with the police, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.
He assured residents that efforts to strengthen security in Baiyeku would continue, while encouraging them to remain vigilant, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and go about their lawful activities.
The council boss also gave immediate express approval for the completion of the police station in Baiyeku, assuring stakeholders of speedy delivery of the facility.
He reaffirmed that peace and security remain non-negotiable, stressing that Baiyeku must not become a haven for cultism, violence or criminal intimidation.
Responding, the Baale of Baiyeku, Chief Ajibode, appreciated the Chairman for personally engaging the community at a difficult time.
He noted that the visit reassured residents of the council’s concern for their safety and demonstrated the administration’s willingness to work with local stakeholders to address the security challenges.
Other community representatives also commended the Chairman’s intervention and pledged to take his message to their respective compounds, markets, religious centres and youth groups.
They expressed readiness to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent further violence and identify those responsible for criminal activities.
