Council Boss Partners Police to Curb Kidnapping, Banditry at Ekiti/Kwara Borders.

Council Boss Partners Police to Curb Kidnapping, Banditry at Ekiti/Kwara Borders.

The Chairman of Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Amb. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, has signed a pact with the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Mr. Akinwale Adeniran, to enhance security and tackle criminal activities at the Ekiti/Kwara border.

The agreement was reached during a visit by Ogungbemi and a team of Ajoni LCDA officials to the Police Headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, Ogungbemi highlighted the importance of the partnership, emphasizing the need to align strategies for stronger synergy in implementing robust security measures across Ajoni communities and border areas. He stressed that the recurring issues of banditry and kidnapping at the Ekiti/Kwara border could only be addressed through a strengthened collaboration with the police.

Commending the existing partnership that has sustained relative peace in the region, Ogungbemi urged the Commissioner to intensify efforts in combating crime and criminality. He underscored the importance of continuous surveillance and collaboration to safeguard lives and property in Ajoni LCDA and its environs.

Ogungbemi also called for the establishment of a Police Divisional Headquarters in Ajoni LCDA, citing its critical role in protecting the area’s growing population and economic assets.

“More importantly, to protect the existing facilities, such as the only functional bank in the whole of Ikole Local Government Area, WEMA Bank PLC, protection of the students and properties of Federal University of Oye Ekiti Annex at Ajoni LCDA, Federal Government College, Cassava Processing Industries, Ekiti State Agricultural Processing Zone at Iyemero Ekiti, Agbeyewa Farms at Ipao Ekiti, Agricultural settlement at Oke Ako-Ekiti, Gede farms settlement, and other private industrial development in Ajoni LCDA,” Ogungbemi said.

He described the visit as a milestone in Ajoni LCDA’s proactive approach to governance and security, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for residents.

During the meeting, discussions also focused on addressing the porosity of Ajoni LCDA’s borders with Kwara and Kogi States. Ogungbemi noted that Ajoni LCDA, being the largest in population and landmass, hosts a high concentration of immigrant farmers and settlers, coupled with vast ungoverned areas requiring focused security attention.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police commended the council’s dedication to maintaining security and assured the Chairman of the Police Force’s unwavering support in achieving a safer Ajoni LCDA.

The delegation from Ajoni LCDA included the Vice Chairman, Prince Tunde Famoroti; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Sola Alagbo; and the Head of Local Authority, Mr. Tunde Arowolaju.