Recent high-level security engagements across Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and adjoining communities have reinforced earlier resolutions from emergency security summits, prominently including initiatives led by the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ola-Ogun Ogunlaja, JP, alongside other traditional rulers such as the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), and other stakeholders.
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The meetings emphasized a common position: security, development, and social stability can only be achieved through collective responsibility, structured intelligence sharing, and strict enforcement of community rules.
At the centre of the latest security discourse is a directive requiring proper identification and documentation of members of the Arewa community residing across Eredo LCDA. Traditional and community leaders stressed that this measure is aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and ensuring accountability among residents.
A key community position stated that “Security is a collective responsibility; together, we can build safer and more peaceful communities.” Leaders further directed that Arewa representatives should move from community to community to document all members, regardless of their state of origin, as long as they identify as part of the Northern community within the area, while warning that individuals who refuse to comply with identification processes may be regarded as suspicious due to lack of transparency in a sensitive security environment.
Another major enforcement measure reaffirmed across engagements is the restriction of commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations beyond 10:00 p.m. throughout Eredo LCDA. Stakeholders explained that night-time movements have been linked to increased criminal activity, hence the need for tighter control. Officials reiterated that “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.” CDAs and CDCs were also instructed to support enforcement and ensure compliance at the community level.
Stakeholders also expressed deep concern over the rising rate of hard drug abuse, which they identified as a major contributor to crime, youth restiveness, and social disorder. Community leaders called for stronger action against both users and suppliers of illicit substances. A stakeholder emphasized that “We must work together to stop the spread of hard drugs in our communities because it is destroying our youths and fueling insecurity.” Communities were urged to identify drug dealers, discourage usage, and support rehabilitation efforts for affected individuals.
Scrap pickers and metal dealers were also placed under strict scrutiny, with warnings against purchasing stolen infrastructure materials such as cables, manhole covers, iron rods, and other public assets. Authorities noted that such practices encourage vandalism and theft across communities. Residents were urged to report suspicious activities immediately and avoid taking laws into their own hands, with officials stressing that “No one should be above the law, and any suspicious activity must be reported through proper channels for necessary action.”
Across all engagements, stakeholders emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and community cooperation. CDAs, CDCs, and youth leaders were encouraged to maintain proper records of residents, visitors, and new entrants to improve monitoring and security coordination. Residents were also advised to ensure that community leaders are informed about their activities to promote transparency and accountability.
Security operatives further warned against misinformation and jungle justice, urging citizens to report cases properly instead of spreading rumours, noting that “It is good to say something when you see something, but do not add to it as it can breach the peace of the community.”
On electricity challenges, residents across Epe Division expressed growing concern that unstable power supply is not only affecting businesses and daily living but is also directly contributing to insecurity across communities.
Many residents noted that prolonged darkness in several areas creates opportunities for criminal activity, reduces surveillance effectiveness, and emboldens miscreants who take advantage of poor visibility to operate at night. They stressed that “Where there is no light, there is fear; and where there is fear, criminals find comfort.”
Community members further explained that poor electricity supply weakens the effectiveness of security operations, especially at night, as streets, markets, and residential areas remain in darkness for long hours.
According to residents, this situation increases the risk of theft, burglary, and other violent crimes, while also making it difficult for vigilante groups and security agencies to respond effectively. They called on government and relevant authorities to prioritize stable electricity supply as a key part of security strategy, arguing that lighting up communities is as important as deploying security personnel.
The combined resolutions from these engagements, including those championed by the Aladeshoyin of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, Oba Babatunde Ola-Ogun Ogunlaja, JP, reflect a stronger push toward structured community governance, tighter regulation, and shared responsibility across Epe Division.
Stakeholders believe that sustained cooperation between traditional rulers, security agencies, CDAs, CDCs, and residents will be critical in addressing insecurity, curbing drug abuse, regulating transport operations, and improving living conditions.
As Epe continues to grow, leaders maintain that peace, development, and stability will depend on discipline, accountability, and collective vigilance across all communities.
