- Oba Ogunlaja directed Arewa leaders to register and document all northerners residing across Eredo communities.
- The monarch raised concerns over drug abuse and drug trafficking, urging community leaders to identify dealers and users.
- A patrol motorcycle was donated to the Arewa Vigilante Security Team to strengthen grassroots security operations.
In a renewed effort to strengthen security and maintain peace across Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ola-Ogun Ogunlaja, JP, convened a strategic meeting with leaders and representatives of the Arewa Community drawn from various towns and settlements within the council area.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the meeting, which brought together traditional rulers, security operatives, community leaders, Community Development Associations (CDAs), Community Development Committees (CDCs), and members of the Arewa Community, focused on addressing security challenges, curbing criminal activities, and promoting harmonious coexistence among residents.
Speaking during the meeting, Oba Ogunlaja stressed the need for vigilance and collective responsibility in protecting lives and property, noting that security remains everyone’s business.
“We cannot allow criminal elements to hide within our communities. Peace and security are essential for development, and every resident must contribute to maintaining law and order.”
The monarch directed Arewa leaders to embark on a comprehensive registration and documentation exercise across all communities in Eredo LCDA to ensure proper identification of their members.
“The leaders of the Arewa Community should move from community to community and obtain valid details of all northerners residing in Eredo. Regardless of their state of origin, they are part of the Arewa Community and must be properly identified.”
He warned that anyone unwilling to cooperate with the registration process would be viewed with suspicion.
“Anyone who refuses to provide the necessary information will be considered a security risk because such a person may have a hidden agenda.”
Oba Ogunlaja also expressed serious concern over the growing abuse of hard drugs among youths and residents within communities across Eredo, noting that substance abuse has become a major contributor to criminal activities and social disorder.
He specifically called on Arewa leaders to help tackle the menace, revealing that some drug peddlers operate within their communities.
“We must work together to stop the spread of hard drugs in our communities. Some of those selling these substances are among the Arewa people and other residents living within the area. We must identify them and ensure they stop because drugs are destroying our youths and fueling insecurity.”
The royal father urged community leaders to counsel those involved in drug abuse while supporting security agencies in identifying and apprehending drug dealers.
“If we can curb drug abuse and stop those selling illicit substances, we will greatly reduce crime and restore discipline among our young people.”
Oba Ogunlaja further warned scrap metal dealers and scavengers against purchasing stolen items, stressing that such practices encourage theft and other criminal acts.
He advised residents to promptly report suspicious activities and criminal behavior, regardless of the tribe or background of those involved.
“If any indigene or resident is found engaging in unlawful activities, report such persons through the proper channels so that appropriate action can be taken. No one should be above the law.”
The monarch also instructed members of the Arewa Community to keep community leaders informed about their activities and movements within their respective communities.
“Always carry your community leaders along in your activities. This will ensure accountability and make it easier to provide information whenever the need arises.”
As part of efforts to strengthen security surveillance, Oba Ogunlaja reiterated that commercial motorcycles and tricycles would no longer be allowed to operate beyond 10 p.m. throughout Eredo LCDA.
“No motorcycle or tricycle should operate after 10 p.m. anywhere within Eredo LCDA. This measure is aimed at improving security and reducing opportunities for criminal activities.”
The monarch further called on CDAs and CDCs across the council area to become more actively involved in intelligence gathering, community sensitization, and security monitoring.
Speaking at the gathering, the Adegbajo of Odogbawojo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Morufudeen Adelani Adeniyi, emphasized that maintaining security is a shared responsibility.
“In spite of any tribe you belong to, the security of lives and property is a duty of every one of us because what happens to one, happens to all.”
A military officer present at the meeting also cautioned residents against spreading false or exaggerated information capable of causing panic and tension within the community.
“It is good to say something when you see something but don’t add to it as it can breach the peace of the community.”
A major highlight of the meeting was the donation of a brand-new patrol motorcycle by the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom to the Arewa Vigilante Security Team to enhance patrol operations and improve response time to security threats.
The monarch charged the vigilante group to remain committed to their responsibilities and to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the appropriate authorities.
The meeting ended with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening community policing, curbing drug abuse, combating crime, promoting peaceful coexistence, and ensuring that Eredo LCDA remains a safe and secure environment for all residents.
