The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, has urged residents and community leaders in Ikorodu to take greater responsibility for the security of their communities, warning that the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality cannot be left to the Police alone, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.
Tijani made the call on Thursday, August 13, at a stakeholders’ engagement in Ikorodu with the theme, “Strengthening Community Partnership for a Safer and More Secure Ikorodu.” The meeting brought together traditional rulers, Christian and Muslim leaders, market leaders, transport unions, youth representatives and other stakeholders to deliberate on security challenges confronting the division.
The Commissioner said his visit was not merely for familiarisation but to directly engage residents on pressing security concerns within Area N Command. He expressed particular concern over the resurgence of cult-related activities and questioned why some residents continue to harbour suspected cultists despite knowing the danger they pose to the community. “Police cannot sit back and watch this happen. Safeguarding the community is not the sole responsibility of police officers. It is a collective task that requires everybody’s effort,” Tijani said.
He urged community leaders to speak up whenever they notice suspicious activities, stressing that many suspected criminals are known to members of their communities. “How do we watch our children grow into nuisances in the community?” he asked.
The Commissioner further warned residents against allowing young people to become involved in violent crimes, noting that the consequences could eventually affect every family. “No one has the right to take a life except God. If we fail to monitor our wards today, we may all suffer the consequences tomorrow. That is why we must come together to ensure these atrocities stop in our community.”
Tijani also acknowledged the limitations imposed by manpower constraints, noting that the police cannot be physically present in every part of the division at all times. “If care is not taken, the children who are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow will end up killing your children,” he warned.
He therefore called on residents to remain security-conscious and support the police with timely and credible information. He assured the gathering that the police remain accessible through the DPOs, the Command’s 24-hour emergency lines and his personal contact line.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, commended the Commissioner for his commitment to the division, particularly his early arrival for the engagement despite a change in the meeting time.
The monarch also praised the DPO and officers within the area for their efforts, saying their commitment had contributed to the relative peace being enjoyed in Ikorodu. He, however, appealed for indigenes of Ikorodu to be considered in the recruitment of personnel under the proposed state police arrangement.
Representing the Seriki of Ikorodu, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Waziri, said the community had introduced identity cards for its members to assist with identification and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies.
The Igbo Community representative, Col. Ruben Nwako (rtd.), also pledged the community’s support for the police and recalled a recent interfaith prayer session involving Christian and Muslim leaders for the safety of security personnel. Nwako, however, called for greater involvement of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), stressing that drug abuse is closely connected to several forms of criminality and should therefore remain central to the security conversation.
For the Iyaloja General of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Chief Mrs. Ashake Modinat Shinobi, increased police visibility in markets is essential. While acknowledging the presence of local vigilantes, she appealed for more regular police patrols, particularly around market areas. She also urged police officers to adopt a more civil approach when handling market-related cases, noting that traders often bring personal and economic challenges into their interactions with law enforcement.
Representatives of youth groups, NURTW, RTEAN and other community stakeholders also used the engagement to raise concerns and offer suggestions on improving security across the division.
The meeting ultimately reinforced a central message: a safer Ikorodu will require more than police operations. It will require residents who speak up, community leaders who act, young people who reject criminality and security agencies that remain accessible and responsive.
