The Ondo State Police Command has announced plans to strengthen grassroots policing, particularly in Ose Local Council, to address kidnapping and communal clashes.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting on security held in Ifon. He emphasised that embedding police operations within local communities is crucial to dismantling criminal networks.

Afolabi revealed that motorcycles donated by the community would enable officers to patrol interior areas inaccessible to vehicles. He noted that enhanced police visibility in these locations would help tackle crimes more effectively.

To ensure better security in the area, Afolabi called for community cooperation, urging residents to provide timely information while assuring them of confidentiality. He also stated that the police would collaborate with vigilantes, hunters, and other security agencies, including the army, to enhance synergy in safeguarding lives and property.

“We came up with this initiative because I discovered that the mutual relationship between the police and the people is at its lowest ebb,” Afolabi said. “So, we organised this meeting to rebuild mutual trust. With the frank discussions we had today, I believe trust will surely improve.”

He added that directives had been issued to apprehend those responsible for burning WAEC examination papers, saying, “Their actions have undermined the future of students taking chemistry and literature. We are also committed to getting to the root of the killing of the Olufon of Ifon.”

The Chairman of Ifon Local Council, Clement Ojo, commended the Commissioner’s Community Safety Partnership Initiative and described it as an effective strategy for addressing security issues in the area. Ojo lauded the police chief’s efforts in resolving communal clashes and curbing crimes since assuming office as the 45th Commissioner of Police in the state.

During the meeting, community leaders and residents, including Elder Batowa from Ikaro, High Chief Okon of Ijapgba, Jimoh, the youth leader of Ijagba, and Tokunbo Abayomi, highlighted the need for police checkpoints at Molege Junction and Ute Junction, citing the use of nearby forest reserves as hideouts by kidnappers.

They also called for establishing police posts in some communities, a Police Area Command in Ifon, and the commencement of an approved Divisional Police Station at Okeluse to enhance security in the region.