In an effort to address the growing security challenges faced by local communities in Kwara South and North, Hon. Charles Olufemi Folayan, the YPP candidate for the Irepodun/Isin/Ekiti/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, has launched a new security information-sharing platform, “L’Agbegbe Wa.” The initiative aims to foster collaboration and communication between community members and security agencies to enhance safety across the region.
This was contained in a press statement made available to Just Event Online TV on Saturday evening
The platform held its inaugural online meeting yesterday, gathering youth representatives from various communities in Kwara South. During his opening remarks, Folayan emphasized that the platform’s purpose is to facilitate the sharing of valuable security information among community members, especially details that could aid law enforcement operations or bring attention to critical issues requiring the involvement of stakeholders.
Folayan underlined that security is a collective responsibility, noting that while security agencies play a vital role, they heavily rely on the cooperation and input of local communities to function effectively. He reiterated that security agencies cannot operate in isolation or without the necessary information from the people they are tasked with protecting.
Participants in the meeting shared their personal experiences regarding the security situation in their respective areas and presented several suggestions for improving safety, including:
Empowering traditional rulers to take a leading role in security matters, as they are the first point of contact for community members and are closest to the people.
The establishment of a Community Security Network in Kwara, similar to the “Amotekun” model adopted in other regions, as an interim measure until state police forces are established.
Increasing the capacity and number of police officers in Kwara South’s police posts to better address local security needs.
Conducting comprehensive security operations in the forests and border areas between Kwara, Kogi, and Niger to mitigate cross-border criminal activities.
Leveraging technology to detect criminal informants and saboteurs within communities.
Providing support for community hunters and farmers to help register and monitor their members for better surveillance and coordination.
Additionally, participants called on the state government to grant local governments financial autonomy, thereby enabling them to better support local security initiatives and ensure the safety of their communities.
Folayan encouraged community members to share accurate and timely information through the platform, assuring them that all data would be handled with the utmost confidentiality and relayed to the appropriate authorities. He emphasized the importance of trust in ensuring the success of the initiative and the overall security of the region.
