By Adeboye Ado 

In a bid to bolster security and address the rising wave of criminal activities in Ondo State, the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has extended his Community Safety Partnership Initiative to the Akoko region.

The move follows recent communal clashes between Ebo and Owake in Iwaro-Oka, which resulted in loss of lives and destruction of property. 

To prevent a recurrence, Afolabi engaged residents of the Ikare and Iwaro Area Commands in a dialogue, urging them to collaborate closely with law enforcement in enhancing security measures.

According to Afolabi, the initiative is designed to build trust between the police and the local population while fostering proactive crime prevention strategies. 

He underscored the importance of vigilance, advising residents to report suspicious activities and conduct thorough background checks, particularly in rural and farming communities, to prevent criminal infiltration.

Addressing concerns over land disputes and ethnic tensions, the Police Commissioner advocated for peaceful dialogue as a means of achieving lasting stability and development in the region.

Residents welcomed his initiative, expressing their appreciation for his commitment to community engagement and pledging their support for the ongoing security efforts.

Reassuring the public of the police force’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and property, Afolabi reiterated ongoing measures to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.