The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command, Mr. Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, has raised serious concerns over the rising wave of cultism, gangsterism and violent crimes in Orile-Agege and adjoining communities, calling for urgent and collective action to restore peace and security in the area.
Speaking during his first familiarisation tour and security town hall meeting at Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, the police chief described the situation as unacceptable, particularly given his personal connection to the community where he grew up.
He lamented that the peaceful environment once enjoyed in the area has been eroded by criminal activities, noting that residents can no longer move freely without fear due to the activities of cult groups and violent gangs.
The Commissioner stressed that policing cannot succeed without the active collaboration of residents, urging community members to provide credible information, identify criminal elements, and support security agencies in tackling the menace.
According to Mr. Fatai, intelligence-led policing and community partnership remain central to the Command’s strategy, adding that security is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, youth leaders, landlords and traditional institutions.
Drawing from previous successes, Mr. Fatai cited the example of Mushin, where sustained collaboration between the police and residents significantly reduced cult-related violence, expressing confidence that a similar approach could yield results in Orile-Agege.
He warned that the era of tolerance for criminal elements is over, declaring that anyone found involved in cultism, gangsterism or related offences will face the full weight of the law.
The police boss also called on parents and community leaders to intensify efforts at counselling and mentoring young people, while urging landlords not to harbour individuals involved in criminal activities.
On his part, the Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Mr. Akinola Idowu, described the security challenges in the area as serious, noting that they require a multi-dimensional approach beyond policing alone.
Mr. Idowu emphasised that the local government is already working to strengthen security architecture through coordinated efforts with security agencies, including the formation of joint task forces and improved intelligence gathering at the grassroots.
The chairman added that both short-term and long-term strategies are being deployed to address the situation, expressing optimism that sustained collaboration with residents and other stakeholders will yield positive results.
Traditional rulers and other key stakeholders at the meeting also pledged their support to the police, assuring that concerted efforts would be made to curb cultism and restore lasting peace in Orile-Agege and its environs.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo