Kidnapping: AIG Ewah urges Osun communities to report suspicious movements
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone XI headquarters in Osogbo, Bassey S. Ewah, has called on representatives of traditional rulers and leaders of the Hausa community in Osun State to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. This appeal comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal acts.
Ewah made the remarks during a security meeting on Tuesday with representatives from various communities, including Serikis from Ifewara, Ibodi, and Iwoye-Ijesa. The gathering aimed to enhance police-community relations, foster intelligence sharing, and prevent criminal elements from entering local areas.
During the meeting, Ewah expressed concern about the challenges in identifying some residents, warning that this issue could lead to security risks if not addressed. He pointed to recent incidents, such as the kidnapping of teachers in the Orire Local Government Area of neighboring Oyo State, as examples that underline the need for proactive measures to avert similar incidents elsewhere.
“Security challenges must be addressed through collective responsibility, credible intelligence, and prompt action by relevant security agencies,” Ewah stated. He urged community leaders to collaborate closely with police forces by providing timely and actionable information to assist in identifying potential threats and preventing escalation of criminal activities.
In addition, the police chief reassured community representatives that the identities of informants would be kept confidential and protected according to established procedures. Ewah affirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to being accessible and responsive to community security needs, encouraging leaders to maintain regular communication with police formations and to report any suspicious movements or activities promptly.
“The protection of lives and property remains a shared responsibility,” he emphasized, urging residents of both Osun and Oyo states to cooperate with security agencies to safeguard their communities.
Attendees included Chief Adubi Idowu and Chief Adejoro Adewale, representing Iwoye-Ijesa, as well as Alhaji Haruna Tanko, Alhaji Abdullahi Waliyi, Alhaji Abubakar Sahabi, Alhaji Mubarak Ayuba, Alhaji Abdul Rosheed Usman, and Alhaji Zayaruwa Saraki, representing Hausa communities in Ibodi and Ifewara.
In their remarks, the representatives expressed gratitude for the reception by the AIG and welcomed his leadership at Zone XI. They lauded the initiative to engage community leaders on security issues and committed to supporting intelligence gathering, fostering peaceful coexistence, and encouraging residents to relay credible security information to the police.
