The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, has visited the Ibarapa community in Oke Ogun area of the state to assess the reported invasion of armed bandits as well as the incessant crisis between the herders and the farmers in the zone.
The CP, during the assessment visit earlier in the week, met with stakeholders from Ibarapa East Local Government Area in Eruwa; Ibarapa Central LGA, Igboora; Ibarapa North LGA, Ayete; and Ibarapa North West LCDA, Igangan.
In attendance at the meeting held at the Area Command, Eruwa on September 15, were traditional rulers, officials of the councils, PCRC members, community and youth leaders, members of the vigilante, hunters, herders, farmers, heads of Myetti Allah and the Seriki Fulani/Hausa.
The CP called for collaboration of stakeholders with the police in order to ensure that criminal elements are flushed out of the area.
During the meeting with heads of farmers and herders, Enwonwu stressed the need for them to avoid incessant clashes occasioned by the destruction of farmlands and killing of cattle.
He directed the Divisional Police Officers in the area to broker peace between the farmers and the herders.
At Iganna, he called for the support of Oba Soliu Azeez and the traditional council members, saying, “The inhabitants should always alert the police whenever they see strange faces in their communities.
The Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, indicated that the alleged invasion by armed bandits on power bike occurred outside the borders of Nigeria, adding, “It was not allowed to spill into the community. Regular efforts of the police with the vigilantes and hunters combing the forest in the community are yielding result.
The CP assured the communities of the readiness of the police to ensure harmonious relationship with the various groups.
Top on the agenda was the alleged invasion of the old Oyo National Park by bandits. Suggestions and workable strategies were said to have been reached in order to checkmate the alleged invaders.
