- Stakeholders emphasized that security remains a collective responsibility requiring active community participation.
- Traditional rulers and security agencies warned against fake news, rumours, and jungle justice.
- Participants recommended stronger intelligence gathering, tenant profiling, hotel guest documentation, and community-security collaboration.
In response to growing security concerns and the increasing spread of unverified information capable of causing panic within communities, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, convened a high-level Emergency Security Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Alara’s Palace, Ilara-Epe, bringing together traditional rulers, security agencies, government representatives, community leaders, market leaders, youth groups, transport unions, school administrators, and other critical stakeholders across Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the meeting was attended by representatives of the Executive Chairman of Eredo LCDA, traditional rulers including , Ayodele Kolawole Aliyu, Maruffdeen Adelani Adeniyi, representatives of the Aladepekun of Odo-Egiri Kingdom, the Regent of Odo-Omola Kingdom, Ganiu Ogegbo, security agencies, youth leaders, market representatives, transport unions, school heads, and community stakeholders.
Speaking during the summit, the Alara of Ilara emphasized the urgent need for collective action in addressing emerging security challenges, noting that security should never be left solely in the hands of security agencies.
“Security is a collective responsibility; together, we can build a safer and more peaceful Eredo.”
The monarch expressed concern over the growing trend of misinformation and unverified reports circulating within communities and on social media platforms. He cited a recent incident where rumours spread rapidly about an alleged beheading, only for investigations to reveal a completely different situation.
“We must learn to verify information before spreading it. Rumours and false information can create unnecessary fear and tension in our communities.”
Oba Ogunsanwo also cautioned residents against jungle justice, stressing that suspects should always be handed over to security agencies for proper investigation and prosecution.
“When you suspect anyone, arrest if necessary and hand such person over to the appropriate authorities. Do not take the law into your own hands.”
The Commanding Officer of Epe Barracks, Lt. Col. S.T. Enye, echoed similar concerns, describing misinformation as one of the greatest threats to community security.
“One of our major security challenges today is false information. People circulate unverified reports that create panic and give innocent people hypertension.”
He urged residents to rely on credible sources of information and cooperate with security agencies in intelligence gathering.
The military officer further highlighted lapses in record-keeping by some hotels and lodging facilities within the area, revealing instances where guest registers failed to accurately capture the identities of occupants.
“One hotel had over sixty guests, but only one name appeared in the register. Such practices make security monitoring difficult.”
Lt. Col. Enye encouraged youths to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful intelligence while avoiding unlawful actions.
“Youths should gather intelligence and remain alert, but they must not take laws into their hands.”
The representative of the Nigeria Immigration Service called on traditional rulers, Baales, and landlords to be more involved in monitoring newcomers and tenants within their communities.
“Baales should engage landlords regularly and ensure they know who they are accommodating in their communities.”
The Officer in Charge of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Igbooye, Capt. K.S. Afogba, advocated stronger community participation in security management through the creation of civilian support structures.
“We need a Civilian Joint Task Force that can support intelligence gathering and help monitor our forests and remote areas.”
He also proposed the deployment of surveillance drones to improve monitoring and strengthen security operations across Eredo’s riverine and forest communities.
Representatives of schools, market leaders, transport unions, youth organizations, and community associations all contributed to discussions, highlighting various security concerns affecting their respective sectors.
Among the recommendations made were stricter monitoring of commercial motorcycle operations, improved documentation of hotel guests, increased support for community vigilante groups, establishment of local intelligence networks, and greater collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Community leaders also stressed the need for regular security engagements to sustain communication and cooperation among stakeholders.
The summit was widely commended by participants, who described it as timely and necessary in light of evolving security realities across the country.
Prince Segun Oshifeko praised the Alara of Ilara for his leadership and foresight in bringing stakeholders together.
“This summit has opened our eyes to many issues. Security is not the responsibility of government alone; every member of the community has a role to play.”
Similarly, the Aladegbajo of Odogbawojo Kingdom, speaking on behalf of traditional rulers present, applauded the Alara’s initiative and called for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders.
The meeting ended with a collective resolve to strengthen intelligence gathering, discourage the spread of fake news, support lawful security operations, and continue working together to preserve peace, security, and stability across Eredo LCDA.
