*Adeleke Leads Call for Community Vigilance as Oyo State Government Strengthens Security Architecture.*

The Executive Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke Ayodele has reaffirmed his administration commitment to strengthening security and protecting lives and property, as the Oyo State Government intensified its campaign against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, as well as illegal migration.

The Chairman made the commitment while receiving the Special Adviser on Migration and Homeland Security to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, ACG Barr. Segun Adegoke (Rtd.), who led a high-powered delegation comprising heads and representatives of security agencies across Oyo State on a sensitisation exercise held in Ibarapa Central Local Government.

The sensitisation programme was organised to enlighten residents, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders on the dangers posed by the proliferation of illicit small arms and ammunition, illegal migration and other emerging security threats capable of undermining the peace and stability of communities.

Welcoming the delegation, Hon. Adeleke expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, for his commitment to safeguarding lives and property through proactive security policies and strategic interventions across the state.

The Chairman also commended ACG Barr. Segun Adegoke (Rtd.) and members of the security team for taking the sensitisation campaign to the grassroots, describing the initiative as timely, proactive and essential to sustaining peace and security in Oyo State.

He assured the delegation of the Local Government’s continued collaboration with security agencies and pledged the full support of his administration towards initiatives that promote intelligence gathering, public awareness, community vigilance, and effective crime prevention.

According to Hon. Adeleke, security is a collective responsibility that requires continuous cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents. He urged the people of Ibarapa Central to remain vigilant and continue providing useful information that would assist security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives.

In his address, ACG Barr. Segun Adegoke (Rtd.) explained that the sensitisation exercise was designed to deepen public awareness on the dangers associated with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the influx of illegal immigrants, and other security concerns confronting communities across the state.

He commended community representatives for their vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities, urging them to sustain their support for security agencies through timely intelligence sharing and active community participation. He emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens and security agencies work together in mutual trust and partnership.

The interactive session also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to identify and discuss pressing security challenges affecting Ibarapa Central. Participants, alongside heads of various security agencies, engaged in productive deliberations and carefully examined practical, intelligence-driven strategies aimed at addressing emerging threats and strengthening the security architecture of the Local Government.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by government officials, security agencies, traditional rulers and community stakeholders to deepen collaboration in ensuring a safer, more peaceful and secure Ibarapa Central for all residents.

Azeez Sodiq Adesina
Personal Assistant to Hon. Olusola Adeleke Ayodele
Executive Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government