The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for what it described as their decisive response to banditry and kidnapping in Ogun and Lagos states.
The commendation was contained in a letter titled, “Afenifere Commends Security Chiefs and Governors for Decisive Action Against Banditry and Kidnapping on the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Road,” signed by the National Organising Secretary of the organisation, Abagun Kole Omololu, on behalf of Afenifere leader, Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti.
The group also praised the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Olaiwola Fatai, for their coordinated efforts in tackling criminal activities along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore corridor.
According to Afenifere, the Inspector-General provided strategic leadership and intelligence driven policing that strengthened the fight against organised crime, while the commitment of Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu created an enabling environment for security agencies to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The organisation said the prompt and coordinated response of the security chiefs and governors had restored public confidence in security across the affected areas.
“The successful operation underscores the importance of purposeful leadership, professional policing and robust inter-state collaboration in combating violent crimes,” the statement read.
Afenifere particularly commended CP Ojajuni for his operational knowledge of the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore axis and lauded CP Fatai for deploying operational resources, specialised equipment and logistics that contributed to the success of the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to a secure South West, the organisation declared that the region would remain hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.
“The message is unequivocal, ‘Kò sí àyè’. There is no place for evil in Yorubaland. Those who seek to threaten the peace, security and prosperity of our people will continue to face the full weight of the law. The Yoruba people remain profoundly grateful for this exemplary display of courage, dedication and public service,” the statement added.
The commendation followed a recent joint operation by the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, which led to the rescue of five kidnapped victims less than 24 hours after they were abducted along the Ogbere-Sagamu-Ore Highway.
The operation also resulted in the neutralisation of several suspected criminals and the arrest of others.
