IBADAN – The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) says it will support compound heads in Ibadan, popularly called ‘Mogajis’ to achieve the Olubadan-designate’s move to end crime at the grassroots.
PCRC’s National Chairman, Ibrahim Olaniyan, stated this when he led a delegation of PCRC members to the private residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Olaniyan noted that the essence of the visit was to pledge the allegiance of PCRC to Ladoja, especially in achieving peace and security in the local communities.
“The instructions he gave recently to Mogajis to ensure maximum security and peace in their domains were in line with our efforts in Oyo State.
“We have been calling on the compound and village heads to cooperate with the Nigeria Police through the efforts of the Police Community Relations Committee to expose all criminal elements within their domains.
“We are here to inform him that we identify with his call, and we are going to work hand-in-hand with all the Mogajis in Ibadanland and the villagers to expose all criminal elements to ensure a crime-free society in Ibadan.
“The PCRC in Oyo State will also join hands with the Coronation Committee to have a hitch-free coronation exercise,” he said.
Olaniyan commended the members of PCRC in the state for maintaining a good working relationship with men of the Oyo State Police Command.
He charged members to work more on the committee’s membership drive to secure enough personnel for effective security coverage across the state.
The chairman lauded the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, in ensuring that police officers enjoyed improved welfare packages.
“The PCRC will continue to support the IG on his quest for better welfare packages for officers; many police officers are doing great jobs in this country, though some citizens are not saying good things about them.
“The Nigeria Police Force is one of the best workforces that we have in Nigeria, and we must appreciate their contributions to the stability of this country,” he said.
Olaniyan urged more citizens to join the PCRC, noting that the task of ensuring the security of lives and property should not be left in the hands of the police alone.
Recalls that the Olubadan-designate recently charged Mogajis and Baales across Ibadanland to take full responsibility for the security of their respective domains.
According to Ladoja, they are to swiftly inform appropriate authorities of any threat, stressing that no chief should claim ignorance of criminal activities within his jurisdiction.
“You are the Chief Security Officers of your communities.
“Do not say you are unaware of any Boko Haram, cultists, land grabbers, or criminals in your areas.
“If you fail to report them, you will be held accountable,” Ladoja warned. (NAN)
