Ido LG Chairman, Traditional Rulers Unite to Strengthen Community Security

The Executive Chairman of Ido Local Government, Hon. Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, has convened a strategic security meeting with traditional rulers and security stakeholders across the local government area as part of efforts to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

The meeting, held at the council headquarters, brought together royal fathers, security chiefs, religious leaders, and top local government officials to deliberate on emerging security concerns and develop proactive solutions to safeguard communities within the local government.

Addressing participants, Hon. Adeojo expressed concern over recent security incidents in neighboring Oriire Local Government Area, stressing the need for heightened vigilance and collective action to prevent similar occurrences in Ido.

The council chairman commended security agencies operating within the local government for their prompt response to security threats and their sustained commitment to maintaining peace and order.

He also disclosed that approval is being processed for the recruitment of additional local vigilantes to strengthen community-based security operations and complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

“The safety of our people remains a top priority. We must continue to work together, share intelligence, and take proactive steps to ensure that our communities remain secure,” Adeojo stated.

The meeting provided an opportunity for traditional rulers to share observations, concerns, and recommendations regarding security challenges confronting their respective communities.

Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, His Royal Highness, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, emphasized that security should no longer be viewed as the sole responsibility of security agencies.

According to him, “Security is a collective responsibility. Every resident has a role to play in safeguarding our communities.”

The monarch lamented that fear often discourages residents from reporting suspicious movements and criminal activities to security agencies.

He therefore urged traditional rulers to mobilize, equip, and adequately support vigilante groups within their domains to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen community security architecture.

Security officials at the meeting also advised traditional rulers to monitor and properly document new settlers within their communities, noting that timely and accurate community intelligence remains critical to crime prevention.

They further expressed concern over situations where landlords, caretakers, and property agents prioritize rental income over proper tenant screening, a development they said could create security vulnerabilities.

The officials urged traditional rulers, Baales, and community leaders to maintain close collaboration with security agencies by promptly sharing credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.

Religious leaders were equally encouraged to discourage unauthorized overnight stays in worship centres and remain vigilant regarding suspicious movements and activities within their communities.

Among the dignitaries present at the meeting were the Onido of Ido, HRH Oba Muritala Babalola; the Oloke of Okelade Okin, HRH Oba Wahab Olabimiji; the Alawotan of Awotan, HRH Oba Dauda Omotosho; the Alapete of Apete, HRH Oba Bolarinwa Idowu; the Onisiba of Siba, HRH Oba Dauda Salami; and the Olomi of Omi, HRH Oba Kayode Olasunkanmi Adebayo.

Others included the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Kamorudeen Gbadamosi; the Supervisory Councillor for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Oladokun Wasiu; the Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Sarafadeen Aminu; the Director of Administration and General Services, Mr. Victor Adelu; the Chief Imam of Ido Local Government, Sheikh Waliyulah Sanusi; Divisional Police Officers (DPOs); representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the State Security Service (SSS); Operation Burst; and other security stakeholders.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, improve intelligence gathering, and promote community participation in security efforts across Ido Local Government Area.