Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenneth Ebrimson has disclosed that the recent wave of insecurity witnessed in Ifo and neighbouring towns of Ogun State emanated from clashes of supremacy among rival cults, contrary to reports of mass armed robbers on rampage.
He also reassured residents that the Police is gallantly ready to combat any form of insecurity in Ifo and Ogun State, TheConscience reports.
This follows reports of hoodlums and armed robbers en masse attacking residents of Ogun and Lagos States, and robbing them of valuable both at night and during daylight undisturbed in the wake of coronavirus lockdown.
According to the reports, affected neighbourhoods in Ogun State were Ifo, Ijoko, Sango Ota, Ayepe, Ilepa, Ibogun, Itori, Agbado and Ewekoro Areas of Ogun State.
The Police boss made the statements during his visit to Ifo on Sunday where he met with residents, chiefs, traditional rulers, security groups, dignitaries and other stakeholders.
CP Ebrimson who visited the town around midday, in company of the State Police PRO and Area Commander, Ifo/Ota, said, “The security challenges in these area emanated from clashes of supremacy of two rival cults which led to death. No robbery case has been reported and recorded by the police during this period of security challenges.”
He promised the people of Ifo that “both the State and Federal Commands of the Nigeria Police are gallantly ready to combat any form of security challenge that may rear its head in the area.”
He appealed to members of the public not to be unnecessarily apprehensive as the command will continue to do everything within its power to ensure that the good people of Ogun State enjoy adequate security during and after this trying period of our dear country.
Addressing the various stakeholders present including security outfits and committees present, ranging from Nigerian Police, Safety Corps, Vigilantees, PCRC and Oba in Council, he commended the Nigeria Police and other security outfits for the excellence in the architectural security synergy displayed to stem and curb security challenges faced by the town in the last few days.
The CP also paraded over 100 criminals with various degrees of offenses, displaying their seized weapon such as guns, knives, cutlasses, metal cutting scissors, gas fire cylinders, charms, Indian hemps, and about 50 live rounds of bullets; some notorious criminals also gave confessional statements.
During his visit to the paramount ruler of Ifo, Oba Samuel Atanda, the Olu of Ifo, the CP also explained efforts put in place to curtail security challenges. He also expressed his support for having another police station in the town as well as upgrading the existing one to an Area Command to beef up security.
In his remarks, Speaker of Ogun State, Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo who represents Ifo 1 in the state assembly commended the CP for his swift response to calls, commending also the Divisional Police officers at Ibogun and Ifo.
