By Ahmed Ajikobi
Following the reported cases of kidnappings in Alagbado and Gaa-Osibi communities of Ilorin, Kwara State Capital, the state Commissioner of Police Paul Odama has paid an impromptu visit to the residents in order to restore their confidence.
This was contained in the press statement issued and signed by the command spokesperson SP Ajayi Okasanmi on Wednesday.
According to him, the Police boss led a special tactical team to the two communities in a bid to assess the security matters and strategy to be emplaced to rebuild the confidence of the residents.
The statement reads: “The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Paul Odama, psc (+) paid an on-the-spot assessment to Alagbado and Gaa Osibi communities in Ilorin West Local government area of Kwara State, in a bid to assess the security situation and strategy to be emplaced to rebuild the confidence of the residents and also explain to the residents what the police has done and still doing to stop the alleged incursions of criminal elements into the fast developing communities.
“The first step taken by the CP immediately after he got wind of the complaints of the residents was the deployment of three patrol teams comprising of conventional and men of the tactical teams of the command, this effort has drastically reduced the fear and apprehensions in the minds of the residents.
“The Youth leader of the community who prefers to be referred to as simply Olori Odo, and the head of the community of Osibi by name of Alfa Ola Shehu, thanked the commissioner of police for the surprise visit to the community and the speed by which Police patrol teams were deployed to the communities.
“He stated that since the arrival of the police teams, the people of the communities have been sleeping with their two eyes closed. Added that members of the communities were ready to support the policemen with necessary materials that could enhance their duty in the community.
“The representatives of the community joined the CP convoy to patrol the Area while showing the CP the area they fear the criminals used in accessing the community.
“The Commissioner advised the leadership of the communities to work with the police deployed to the area by giving them information at all times and report to him any conduct by the policemen that is at variance with their rules of engagement in the community”.
Odama also assured residents of the communities of the police’s determination to end criminal activities in the area in particular and Kwara State in general.
The CP further urged the residents not to panic or plan to relocate from the community, stating that, the place is now safe and peaceful for people to live and do their business without any fear of attack or intimidation and promised to always pay unscheduled visits to the areas to see the progress and how the community is faring.
