OGUNSOLA ORDERS SECURITY AGENCIES TO CRACK DOWN ON ILLICIT DRUG PEDDLERS IN YEWA SOUTH LG

 By 'Yinka  Ademoye 

.......Chairman seeks stronger community collaboration, proper documentation of foreigners

 The Executive Chairman of Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Abraham Babatunde Ogunsola, has directed security agencies operating in the local government to intensify efforts to tackle the rising menace of illicit drug abuse, peddling and distribution of banned substances across the area.

Ogunsola gave the directive at the Local Government’s Peace and Security Meeting held at the council secretariat in Ilaro, following an alert by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on the increasing prevalence of drug peddling, abuse and distribution of illicit substances in the local government area.

The Chairman said his administration would not tolerate activities capable of undermining the safety and wellbeing of residents, stressing that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, and the Yewa South Local Government are firmly opposed to the trafficking, abuse and distribution of illegal drugs.

“The government in the state, led by our amiable Governor, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, and the government in Yewa South are vehemently against drug peddling, abuse or distribution of any illegal substance. As a result, I want all the security operatives around to tackle the matter with utmost seriousness,” he said.

Ogunsola assured the security agencies of the council’s readiness to provide the necessary support to strengthen their operations, particularly through collaboration with traditional rulers, Baales, Community Development Committee (CDC) members, schools and other relevant stakeholders.

He emphasised that the protection of lives and property remained a fundamental responsibility of government and a critical factor in sustaining public confidence in governance.

“The safety of lives and properties is an inevitable aspect of governance that we cannot but take seriously if we want to continue enjoying the confidence of our people in governance,” the Chairman stated.

The council boss also called for greater cooperation between the government, traditional institutions and community leaders in documenting foreigners residing within their respective communities, particularly in remote areas.

According to him, accurate and up-to-date information on human movement would assist relevant government agencies, including the Nigerian Immigration Service, in effectively monitoring movements into and out of the country and strengthening efforts to prevent criminal activities.

Ogunsola further disclosed that his administration had resolved to restrict commercial motorcycle operators from using the Sayedero–Papa road as a commercial route, describing the measure as part of efforts to improve the safety of commuters and other road users.

He urged parents, guardians and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies before such activities escalate into major security threats.

The Chairman stressed that the fight against illicit drugs and other forms of criminality could not be left solely to security agencies, calling for a collective approach involving government, communities, traditional institutions, schools, parents and other stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by representatives and officials of various security agencies and community organisations, including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by Chief Amosun Olawale; the DPO of Ilaro Command, Mr. Omitosin Rotimi; the Area Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Lawal B.O.; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Olawale Samson; the Officer-in-Charge of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mrs. Fakeye Adenine; NYCN Coordinator, Comrade Dayo Oke-Peter; Comrade Egunjobi E.O. of the CDC; Chief Earnest O. Mba of the CDC Igbo Community; NOA Officer, Mrs. Akinropo O.A.; and other eminent stakeholders.