Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has stated that the peculiar nature of Ikorodu axis, being an entry and exit route to other States in the country, poses serious security challenge that must be addressed.
The Governor who was speaking at the commissioning of a newly constructed Abuja Type III Police Station in Imowo-Nla, Ikorodu, recalled the recent armed robbery incident through the lagoon at Ijede, which affected two commercial banks and some members of the public as one of the instances of security issue of the town.
Governor Ambode who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibironke Shodeinde, however admonished residents not to be overwhelmed by the incident, but assist the government in addressing the problem.
He used the occasion to commiserate with families of the victims of the unfortunate incident, including those who suffered injuries and loss of property, but pledged that the new police post, which is the sixth to be established in the area, would help reinstate peaceful atmosphere and security of lives and property.
He solicited the cooperation of residents of Imowo Nla in giving useful information to the Police, emphasizing that “the weapon to actually win the battle against criminal activities perpetrated by land speculators and other people of questionable characters is timely information to security agents”.
Ambode maintained that the only way the State can continue to sustain the confidence and interest of existing investors and attract new ones is for everyone to support security measure and see it as a collective responsibility, reiterating the commitment of his administration to the safety of lives and property in all parts of the State.
Earlier,the Executive Secretaryo of Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, emphasized the importance of communal efforts in facilitating societal development as institutions of government alone cannot provide all social services due to the over-increasing responsibilities and non-commensurate resources available to government.
According to him, every responsible corporate organization should always endeavour to plough back a percentage of their profits for the development of the host community as a way of engendering cordial relationship between the concerned parties.
Members of the community are encouraged to reciprocate the good gesture of the State Government by fulfilling their civic responsibilities of paying taxes, tates and dues towards the development of the entire State.
Also, the representative of the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in the State, Babatunde Kokumo commended the strides of the State Government and its efforts at making policing less cumbersome for Police Officers with the provision of needed apparatus for the State Command.
