By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
Following the recent attack on a Catholic church in Owo, Ondo State by yet to apprehend terrorists, the Kwara State Police Commissioner, CP Tuesday Assayomo has advised the leadership of religious bodies in the state on the need to put some security arrangements in their places of worship, including CCTV cameras and employment of private or local guards.
According to a statement made available to journalists by the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, the Police Commissioner gave this advice during a security meeting with the Command’s strategic security managers held at the Police Officers Mess, Ilorin.
The statement reads: “The meeting was convened to review the existing security strategies in the state, the Command was not unaware of some security breaches in some states leading to the death of many citizens, the banning of Okada operations in some States, especially Lagos State which has sent jitters in the spines of some people of Kwara state owing to the proximity of Kwara state to Lagos State; nursing the fears that the banned Okada operators may head for Kwara State with all its attendant’s risks.”
“Consequently, the CP directed Area Commanders, Dos and Command’s Tactical Units to intensify patrols in their AORs, intensify intelligence gathering and also apply effective mobilization of vigilante groups, hunters and other local security apparatus in their AORs.
“He also called on Motorcycle and Tricycles Unions in Kwara State to embark on adequate profiling of both existing and new members for easy identification and monitoring.
“The CP advises the leadership of religious bodies on the appropriateness of putting some security arrangements in their places of worship, including CCTV cameras, employment of private or local guards to complement those provided by the Police.
“The Commissioner of Police hinted at a proposed meeting with relevant non-state actors, and student bodies to also discuss ways by which the police Command could serve the citizens better.”
Similarly, the CP has decorated 32 newly promoted Inspectors to the ranks of ASP, advising them to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Usman Alkali Baba by working harder and continually representing the good image of the force wherever they are posted.
