Insecurity: Kwara CP debunks Gani Adams’ claim of bandits’ relocation to the state
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara state Police Command has stated that there was no relocation of bandits or kidnappers to the state as claimed by AreOnakakanfo iba Gani Adams..
A statement by the Command’s spokesman, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, said: “This is in response to the anxiety and concerns raised by the people of the state, as an aftermath of the alarming statement credited to one Chief Gani Adams sometime last week, to the effect that Kidnappers and Bandits have finally relocated to Kwara state, where specific mention of Kwara South was made.”
“The Command has succeeded in rescuing kidnapped victims and has arrested many Kidnappers in the past, therefore, the Command will not relent in doing all that is necessary to sustain the peace and tranquility in the State including, co-opting the Fulani and other ethnic groups in the vigilante Service to enhance the security of our bushes.”
Following the concerns raised by Gani Adams, Okasanmi said the Commissioner of Police, Tuesday Assayomo, has embarked on a tour of Kwara South Senatorial District to have first hand information about the security situation in the area.
He said: “After going round the zone, the Commissioner of Police, held meetings with security community both in Offa and Omu-Aran, where the people comprising traditional rulers, religious leaders, vigilante, local hunters and sister security agencies were in attendance.
“The people were advised to join hands with the police and other security agencies in ensuring that the existing peace and harmony in the state is sustained.”
Speaking on the statement by Chief Gani Adams, the CP reiterated his determination to deal with criminals irrespective of names or groups they belong, while also accepting to work with any individual or group of people who are interested in collaborating with the police to fight crime.
The CP expressed his displeasure over Gani Adams’ statement which rather than encourage the people was seen to have heightened the anxiety of the people, stating that there are better ways and channels by which sensitive information could be passed to relevant authorities if there was need for such.
He said: “Kwara State is an integral part of Nigeria, and as such, was not completely immune from the security challenges bedeviling other states. The fact remains that Kwara State is one of the most peaceful states in the country, where efforts by the people and the support by the government and other stakeholders has helped tremendously in sustaining and maintaining the fragile peace in the state.
“The CP reiterated that adequate security has been emplaced in and around the state, the people would also begin to witness visible police presence on all the highways, exit and exit points of the state while the Command’s intelligence arm is also fully on ground.
“The Command has also strengthened the synergy between it and other security agencies all in a bid to ensure adequate information dissemination in the state.
The people are therefore advised to go about their lawful businesses and make information available to the police at all times as part of their civic responsibility, please.”