Oluyole LG Chair hosts security stakeholders as Olatunji vows to end criminal scavenging

As part of a renewed drive to strengthen the security architecture of Oluyole Local Government, the Executive Chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, on Tuesday convened an expanded security stakeholders’ meeting that brought together state and non state actors from across the public and private sectors.

The meeting, held on Tuesday at the council secretariat in Idi-Ayunre, was described by the stakeholders as one of the most comprehensive in recent years, which stakeholders said reflect the council’s growing commitment to tackling the rising cases of criminal scavenging, theft, and other related offenses.

Present at the well-attended session were representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and several community-based security outfits.

They were joined by traditional rulers, religious leaders, corporate organizations, and community development associations, who were all united by a common goal of ensuring the safety of lives and property across Oluyole.

In his keynote address, Olatunji said the meeting was not just another routine formality but “a call to collective action.”

He noted that the growing menace of criminal scavenging and unregulated waste collection had reached an alarming level, posing risks to both security and environmental safety.

“These so-called scavengers are no longer what they used to be. Many of them now use the guise of scavenging to spy on homes, steal valuable materials, and sometimes engage in violent acts.

“We cannot afford to sit back and allow a few criminal elements to destroy the peace we’ve worked so hard to maintain in Oluyole under the guise of collecting wastes from our homes,” Olatunji stated.

The chairman emphasized that his administration had already begun a coordinated clampdown on unauthorized scavenging operations in partnership with security agencies. He vowed to sustain the effort until all criminal elements were flushed out.

While reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful and business-friendly environment, Olatunji also challenged corporate organizations to become more active partners in community security initiatives.

He noted that many businesses within Oluyole benefit daily from public infrastructure and relative peace but contribute little or insignificantly to maintaining it.

“Security is not just a government responsibility. It’s a shared duty. When companies refuse to support local interventions or turn a blind eye to community safety issues, they indirectly make themselves vulnerable. It is in everyone’s best interest to contribute,” Olatunji asserted.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers, the Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre, Oba Olumini Alayunre, praised the chairman for what he described as “a rare example of responsive leadership.”

He commended the council’s ongoing infrastructural efforts, particularly the construction of the new Traditional Hall, which he said would “strengthen the unity of our people and provide a lasting space for community dialogue.”

The royal father further urged residents to cooperate with the council by sharing intelligence with local security operatives, noting that “information is the most effective weapon in preventing crime.”

Representing the NSCDC, SP Folarin Toyin, reiterated the need for stronger collaboration between government and private entities.

“The council cannot do it alone. Security work is demanding and requires resources, logistics, and manpower. Corporate bodies must take Corporate Social Responsibility beyond donations, they should help us sustain joint patrols, fund community watch programs, and support youth engagement initiatives,” he said.

The Police representative disclosed that the Oluyole Division had recently arrested several individuals disguising as scavengers but found with stolen items such as cables, roofing sheets, and metal components from construction sites, assuring residents that the police would continue to work closely with the local government to rid the area of criminal activity.

Also in attendance was Mrs. Aminat Salami, a community development leader from Olomi, who praised the chairman for “listening to the people and leading with action.”

She also appealed to residents to stop shielding known troublemakers and to report suspicious movements promptly saying: “We can’t keep complaining about insecurity if we’re not willing to be part of the solution,” she said.

The meeting, which lasted several hours, was characterized by frank discussions and practical suggestions. Participants agreed to establish a joint intelligence-sharing platform among all security agencies in the local government, while the council pledged logistical support to strengthen community patrols and rapid response efforts.