As the festive season approaches, the Peace Initiative Committee, Ogun Central has met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ilupeju Sabo, Abeokuta, SP Amodu Yakubu, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and community leaders of Ilupeju Sabo to strengthen security measures within the area on Monday.
The meeting, held at the Ilupeju Police Division, focused on proactive strategies to curb crime, especially cultism and drug-related activities during the forthcoming celebrations.
Speaking at the meeting, the Public Relations Officer of the Peace Initiative Committee, Comrade Ifebola Togunwa, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting peace and security across Ogun Central.
He explained that the committee’s operations cover secondary schools, tertiary institutions such as polytechnics and universities, and several communities in the region. Togunwa added that the association has been actively engaging with institutions to discourage cultism and foster safer learning environments.
In his address, SP Amodu Yakubu, DPO of Ilupeju Sabo Division, highlighted the challenges posed by drug abuse in the community.
He noted that upon his assumption of duty, Sabo was widely regarded as a “black spot” due to the prevalence of drug joints, which contributed to crimes such as rape, accidents, and violent clashes.
The DPO disclosed that he has taken decisive steps to chase drug dealers out of the area and urged residents to share useful information about drug and cult-related activities with the police rather than taking laws into their own hands.
Also speaking, a member of the Peace Initiative Committee, Olalekan Sunday Akintunde commended the committee’s progress since its formation in December.
He noted that many of its members are reformed individuals who once had connections with cult groups, giving the association valuable insight that helps prevent crimes.
According to him, since the establishment of the committee, no death recorded in Ogun Central has been linked to cult-related violence.
In his closing remarks, the Chairman of PCRC Sabo Division, Chief Soneye Mosile, applauded the efforts of the Peace Initiative Committee in promoting community safety.
He advised the group to carefully screen individuals who wish to join their ranks, warning that admitting persons with questionable characters could undermine the credibility and objectives of the association.
