The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, PSC (+), has assured residents of Iseyin and Itesiwaju Local Government Areas of strengthened security presence and improved policing operations in the region. He gave the assurance during his maiden familiarization tour to the Iseyin Police Area Command on Tuesday.
The Commissioner arrived in the company of top-ranking officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Department (CID), DCP Salaudeen Isiaka; DCP Operations, DCP Usen James Ekanem; Commander, Police Mobile Force 4PMF, ACP Hakeem Ajasa; Assistant Commissioner of Police, State Intelligence Department, ACP Bamigboye Martins; and other senior officers of the Command.
Welcoming the Commissioner and his entourage, the Pioneer Area Commander of Iseyin Police Area Command, ACP Akanle Rufus Adegoke, PSC, FIPMLD(( fellow of Institute of policy management and leadership development) noted that the Area Command covers two Local Government Areas – Iseyin and Itesiwaju – with six divisional headquarters located at Iseyin, Ado-Awaye, Ipapo, Okaka, Otu and Komu. He highlighted that the region is known for farming, Aso-Government Oke weaving, NYSC permanent orientation camp at Iseyin, and the recently established Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) campus, among other key national and private establishments such as the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaye.
ACP Adegoke described Iseyin and Itesiwaju as communities rich in human and material resources, having produced prominent sons and daughters who have excelled nationally and internationally, including the immediate past Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola (GCON); legal luminary, Alhaji Ahmed Adeniyi Raji (SAN); and respected scholars and administrators.
He stated that the Area Command enjoys strong synergy with sister security outfits such as the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun Corps, Vigilante Groups, local hunters, and traditional institutions.
However, the Area Commander identified major security challenges confronting the region, listing kidnapping, armed robbery, farmers-herders conflicts, land disputes, cattle rustling and activities of land-grabbers as areas requiring sustained surveillance and intelligence-led policing.
He also highlighted operational setbacks faced by the Area Command, including poor access roads leading to the temporary office at Italu, Oke-Aro, shortage of manpower, lack of patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, arms and operational funds.
“Since the establishment of this Area Command over eighteen months ago, no financial allocation has been received. This has placed tremendous strain on our operations,” he disclosed.
ACP Adeoke further raised concerns about the abandoned permanent site of the Area Command at Adugbe along the Iseyin-Ogbomoso Road, noting that attempts were once made by saboteurs to vandalize the multi-million naira structure before a security presence was deployed to protect it.
Despite the challenges, the Area Commander expressed profound appreciation to notable stakeholders whose moral and material support have sustained police operations in the area. Among those specially acknowledged were Alhaji Ahmed Adeniyi Raji (SAN), Engr. Kunle Oloyede Kabir, the Chairmen of Iseyin and Itesiwaju LGAs, Mr. Awogbemileke Ejire, who single-handedly fenced the permanent site of the Area Command, and several others.
Responding, CP Haruna said his visit was both a familiarization and an on-the-spot security assessment tour. He disclosed that although he had initially considered redeploying some officers, testimonies from community leaders about the diligence and professionalism of officers in the Area Command convinced him otherwise.
He pledged to address the operational challenges raised within available resources and through necessary engagements with state authorities and stakeholders.
“I have heard your requests. I assure you that we will act on them within our capacity and even beyond where necessary. We will not allow insecurity to thrive here,” the CP said.
The Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola (represented by High Chief Ismail Tikalosoro), the Eleyinpo of Ipapo, Oba Abdul Yekeen, the Iseyin Youth Forum, NSCDC representatives and other stakeholders also presented their concerns and recommendations, emphasizing the need for improved logistics and deployment of more officers to protect lives and property.
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant, share credible intelligence discreetly and cooperate with security agencies to maintain the existing peace in the region.
