By Precious Oluwole

The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, has pledged the full legislative support of the House to the Ondo State Police Command in its ongoing efforts to combat pressing security challenges across the state.

This assurance came during a courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, and his team to the Assembly complex in Akure, where he provided an overview of the state’s security landscape.

Addressing lawmakers during the visit, CP Afolabi identified cultism, kidnapping, land grabbing, drug abuse, and vehicle theft syndicates as threats to public safety.

The Commissioner revealed that the Command had shifted focus to more modern strategies, motorbike patrols in hard-to-reach areas, and the formation of a Community Safety Partnership aimed at rebuilding public trust.

“When I came in, there was virtually nothing to write home about our intelligence network. Just 45 operatives for the entire state, and only 22 left after allocations to key institutions.We had to train more hands at our own cost,” he disclosed.

CP Afolabi reported significant progress under his watch, including the arrest of several kidnappers, disruption of cult groups and the capture of suspects linked to fuel diversion and multiple jailbreaks.

However, he cited inadequate logistics, overlapping duties among security agencies, and equally said that the use of drone and other technology trackers are essential in tackling insecurity.

Responding, Speaker Oladiji lauded the Commissioner for his proactive leadership and commended his efforts in promoting inter-agency collaboration and public engagement.

“You have shown maturity, humility, and great synergy with other security agencies. We appreciate that”.He , assured that the legislature would provide the necessary legal backing to strengthen policing in the state.

Oladiji said that the issue of conflicting roles among agencies would be addressed through appropriate legislative reforms. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing the police’s public communication strategy.

Touching on specific concerns, the Speaker referenced the recently passed Anti-Land Grabbing Law, which he said must now be enforced aggressively.

“We’ve received over 50 petitions from across the state. Now that the bill has been passed and assented to, we expect the police to take appropriate action,” he stated.

Oladiji further pledged the Assembly’s commitment to facilitating a seamless working relationship between the arms of government, saying: “Security is a joint effort. With the right architecture and full implementation of our laws, we will reduce these challenges to the barest minimum.”

Other lawmakers who spoke during the visit praised CP Afolabi’s track record since assuming office, describing Ondo as relatively safer than several other states currently battling severe insecurity.

“Looking at what is happening in places like Benue, we can say Ondo is in a better situation. Our prayer, however, is not just for fewer security issues but for none at all”.

The Assembly members emphasized the need for robust intelligence sharing among all security agencies, including the Police, Customs, Navy, and others, and called for closer collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat drug-related crimes, which they said fuel most violent offenses.

They also called for greater professionalism and transparency among officers and advocated for regular interactions between the police and the House beyond crisis situations.

The visit concluded with a unanimous pledge to provide all necessary support to safeguard lives and property across Ondo State.