By Adeboye Ado

The Ose Youths Progressive Initiative (OYPI) has called on the Ondo State Police command to intensify  efforts in combating rising insecurity in Ose local government area.

The demand was made during a meeting between the youth group and the Police command in Akure.

The delegation, led by OYPI National Chairman, Comrade Oluwaseun Ayomitan Ogunniyi, was received by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Afolarin Omotayo, who represented the Commissioner of Police.

The meeting followed a petition earlier submitted to the Inspector-General of Police on May 20, 2025, titled: “Red Alert – Urgent National Security Intervention in Ondo State: Practical Involvement of Youths and Deployment of Special Anti-Terrorism Crack Team.”

In the petition, OYPI had urged the Nigerian Police Force to respond swiftly and professionally to the growing threats in the area, which include frequent kidnappings and attacks along key routes and communities.

During the engagement, DCP Omotayo acknowledged the concerns raised by the youth leaders and assured them that the command was already taking steps to address the situation.

He announced plans to construct a new police post at Molege Junction, a location known for repeated security breaches.

He also disclosed that a mobile police unit would be deployed to Ose Local Government within a week, targeting communities such as Ifon, Elegbeka, Molege, Ute, and Arimogija.

While welcoming youth collaboration, the DCP warned against any form of jungle justice, stressing the importance of handing over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.

“The Nigerian Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and property,” he said.

On their part, the OYPI delegation reiterated their demands, which include the deployment of a Special Anti-Terrorism Crack Team to identified flashpoints, establishment of new police formations in underserved communities, integration of trained youth volunteers in intelligence and early warning operations, improved logistics and surveillance technology, and stronger collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters’ groups.

Comrade Ogunniyi emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We didn’t come here for sympathy; we came for strategic partnership. We are losing our young people, our farmers, our community leaders. We cannot allow terror to define our future.”

The DCP commended the youths for their proactive stance and promised to relay their requests to the Commissioner of Police.

He assured them that increased tactical deployments would begin shortly as part of a broader effort to restore peace and stability in the area.