The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their decisive response to the menace of banditry and kidnapping in both states.

The organisation also lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, as well as the Commissioners of Police of both states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, for their coordinated efforts in tackling criminal activities along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore corridor.

In a letter signed by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the Afenifere praised the IGP for providing strategic leadership and intelligence-driven policing that have strengthened the fight against organised crimes.

According to the group, the unwavering political commitment demonstrated by Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu has created an enabling environment for security agencies to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The group, while reaffirming its commitment to a secure South-West, said that the region would remain a hostile environment for kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

IN another development, Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students from two Senior Secondary Schools in Ijebu-Ode, following concerns over a suspected gas emission issue affecting safety and operations in the schools.

The emergency measures were activated to ensure uninterrupted examinations and protect learners amid ongoing investigations.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, who spoke during a town hall meeting in Ijebu-Ode, said the disruption primarily affected the junior sections of the affected schools, while the senior school section remained unaffected.

According to him, the immediate priority was to safeguard SS3 candidates who are writing their West African Senior School Certificate examinations.

He said students at Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS) were relocated to Adeola Odutola College, while students of Our Lady of Apostles were relocated to Ijebu Muslim College.

The commissioner stressed that other students were asked to remain at home as authorities continue to monitor the situation.

Arigbabu disclosed that the government had engaged experts from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Health Sciences and Geology departments to determine the source of the anomaly.

He noted that preliminary findings suggested a possible gas pipeline leakage or a geological fault line, as a detailed report is expected within the next few days or weeks.

The commissioner also confirmed that ambulances would remain on standby at the relocation centres, while gas analysers would be deployed to monitor air quality for any potential triggers.

He added that special attention would be paid to students with underlying health conditions to ensure they are not exposed to any risk during the period.

Also speaking at the meeting, Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, said preliminary assessments indicated that Ijebu-Ode might be sitting on substantial natural gas reserves, explaining that methane, while not toxic, could displace oxygen and cause symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and confusion.

The duo assured parents and stakeholders that all necessary steps were ongoing to restore normal academic activities in a safe and conducive environment, as further updates would be provided once the geological and environmental assessments were concluded.