Obalende CDA Partners Police On Security

In a bid to end to the influx  of criminals into Obalende, members of the three community development associations, comprising the north, central and west, have inaugurated a local security outfit, “vigilante” to compliment the efforts of the police in protecting lives and property.

The criminals who come to patronise prostitutes and beer joints in the area commit all manner of crimes.

The 20-man vigilance team was inaugurated by the commander in charge of Area ‘A’ Command, Lion Building, Lagos Island, southwest Nigeria, ACP Edgar, who led about four DPOs including the female DPO incharge of Lion Building division, CSP Adaku uche Anya, to the event.

Dignitaries at the ceremony include Prince Ladejober, Obalende Landlord Association chairman, Mr. Maroof Akindele, a councillor representing Obalende ward, Alhaji Shuaib Mummuny Bako a.k.a Matadi, Umar Hadamu, an Hausa youth leader and representative of MOLA and others.

In his speech, Moroof Akindele, who anchored the event said: “We decided to partner the police with a local security outfit to fight crime and criminals, Indian hemps sellers and prostitution in Obalende.

“Our investigation revealed that criminals are using the presence of prostitutes and beer parlours in Obalende as a cover to commit crimes, and we have resolved that we no longer want prostitution and Indian hemp sellers in Obalende, and beer parlour operators must close  shops by 12 midnight everyday,” he stated.

In his response, ACP Edgar thanked the CDA members for partnering with the police to restore order in Obalende.

He said Obalende used to be the safest place in Lagos State but the reverse has become the case in recent times because the residents allowed it.

“Now that the same residents have come out to say they want peace, my command with the support of the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, are ready to ensure maximum protection of lives and property in Obalende.

“But we can only succeed if the residents are ready to give useful information to the police on criminal hideout, because policemen are not spirits.

“I am now sending the last warning to criminal elements and Indian hemp sellers to move out of Obalende for their own safety; any prostitute arrested henceforth in Obalende would be charged to court, he said, adding that the vigilante group must be ready to conduct their activities with civility and maturity with the police that would join them in the performance of their duties, he stated.

—Paul Iyoghojie