TheCable

The foundation for a police post has been laid in Bamgbelu community development association (CDA) in Ikorodu north local council development area in Lagos state. 

At the groundbreaking ceremony of the police post on Wednesday, Adeola Banjo, chairman of the LCDA, said the initiative is part of his administration’s efforts to beef up security at the grassroots level.

Banjo said his administration has also inspired similar projects in three other communities in the LCDA.

Also speaking, Jimi Benson, member representing Ikorodu federal constituency at the house of representatives, described the initiative as a welcome development in the wake of the widespread insecurity in the country.

Benson, who was represented by Wale Ogunbela, deputy coordinator of iCARE Foundation, said the establishment of a police post at Bamgbelu would help curb criminal activities in the area.

In his remark, Adeyinka Omololu, Bamgbelu CDA chairman, appreciated those who supported the initiative and other development-oriented programmes in the community.

Abiosun Gboyelade, the CDA secretary, said such unity has contributed to the success of several projects carried out so far in the community including installation of electric poles, aluminum conductors and street lights.

Others, he said, include construction of a new community road, provision of first aid box and community gates.

Muyideen Gbadamosi, the community’s traditional ruler, expressed optimism that having police presence in the area would foster peace and foster socio-economic development.

“This is a project we have been praying for years. The major security issue here is cultists clash. Our area is not a haven for cultists but during clashes in neighbouring areas, they normally use this place as the escape route and hideouts. With a police post, we can sleep with our two eyes closed,” he said.

Femi King, a resident, said the lack of police presence in the area before now makes it difficult to report criminal activities.

“If we can get a police post, our area will be peaceful. We’ll also be able to sleep very well. We don’t have any police presence around here until now. To get police station from here is a long distance. So, if this project becomes a reality we’ll be happy because that will make us feel protected,” he told TheCable.