…Stresses the Importance of a Symbiotic Relationship Between the Police and the Press.
Since taking office, Commissioner of Police (CP) Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has achieved numerous significant security advancements in Ogun State. As part of his ongoing proactive leadership, he visited the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Abeokuta, known as Iwe Iroyin, the birthplace of journalism in Ogun State, on January 30, 2025, for a familiarization visit.
The Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Comrade Wale Olarenwaju, along with his deputy and other distinguished veteran journalists, both active and retired, warmly welcomed the Commissioner and his team at the Iwe Iroyin Secretariat in Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Engagement with the Press: Addressing Key Security Concerns
During the interactive session, CP Ogunlowo responded to pressing questions from journalists on critical security issues in Ogun State.
- Investigation into the Murder of Mr. Oyekanmi Taiwo
One of the major concerns raised was the brutal murder of Mr. Oyekanmi Taiwo, the Director of Finance in the Accounts Department, who was shot by unknown assailants on November 29, 2023, while in possession of an unspecified amount of money.
In response, CP Ogunlowo assured journalists that there is no vacuum in policing. Despite not being in office when the incident occurred, he affirmed that a thorough investigation is ongoing, and the police are committed to unravelling the mystery surrounding the murder using available evidence.
- Farmer-Herder Clashes
Addressing concerns over clashes between farmers, villagers, and herders, the CP highlighted the revival of stakeholders’ meetings across all police divisions. He emphasized that continuous engagement with communities and interest groups will help mitigate conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence through dialogue.
- Rising Incidents of Kidnapping
Journalists expressed concerns about the resurgence of kidnappings in Ogun State and sought to know the strategies in place to combat the menace.
In response, the CP urged citizens to be more proactive in providing credible intelligence about suspicious activities in their communities. He detailed ongoing security measures, including:
• Deployment of a Quick Intervention Squad to patrol flashpoints, highways, bridges, and other high-risk areas.
• Sustained aggressive raids by Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to disrupt criminal activities before they escalate.
- Ritual Killings and Youth Criminality
CP Ogunlowo strongly condemned the rise in ritual killings and urged parents to take responsibility for their children’s actions. He decried the involvement of young individuals in crime for financial gain, warning that those caught will face the full weight of the law.
Strengthening Police-Media Collaboration
The Ogun NUJ expressed gratitude for the Commissioner’s visit, committing to support and collaborate with the police through comprehensive media coverage. The CP, in response, emphasized his dedication to maintaining sustainable peace and security in the State, while encouraging the media to raise public awareness on crime prevention and the significance of providing timely information to the police.
The session concluded positively, with journalists and police leadership reaffirming their mutual commitment to security and responsible reporting for the benefit of the people of Ogun State.