The Southwest Youth Development Initiative (SYDI), has pledged its readiness to work with the police and other security agencies through intelligence sharing and other forms of support in the ongoing rescue operations for the 46 victims abducted in Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area.
The youth organisation stated this during a visit by its Director General, Otunba Ayodeji Famoroti, alongside the Southwest Chairman of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Ambassador Samuel Eniola Adams, to the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Olugbenga Ayodeji Abimbola.
The 46 victims comprise toddlers, students, teachers, school principal and staff, a situation which had raised security concerns in the state.
Otunba Famoroti, who expressed the youth organisation’s concern about the safety of the abductees, particularly the children among them, said that collaboration with law enforcement agencies would strengthen efforts to fight against criminal activities and improve responses to emergencies.
He said the Southwest youths are seeking to know the efforts being made to secure the release of the victims held hostage by their abductors.
The SYDI DG thanked CP Abimbola for welcoming the Southwest youths to his office, while he commended the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, for the assurance he gave to make his phone line open for calls at any time.
In his own remarks, the POCACOV Southwest Chairman, Ambassador Adams, emphasised the need for coordinated action between civil groups and security agencies in tackling rising insecurity.
Responding, CP Abimbola appreciated the visit and described the engagement as timely and supportive of police operations in the state.
The police boss welcomed the offer of collaboration, particularly in the area of intelligence sharing, which he said was crucial to effective policing.
He assured on working together with the Southwest youths to prevent insecurity across the state.
Praying for safety for the youths, CP Abimbola assured that his office is open to the Southwest youths if they face any challenges in their movements, promising to support in providing necessary security for them.
He also assured the state residents of the Command’s intensified efforts in rescuing the abducted victims and restoring normalcy in the affected communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protecting lives and property while working with stakeholders to curb insecurity.
The CP added that security had been provided inside the town, while the federal and state governments as well as the police, are working hand-in-hand for the soonest rescue of the abductees.
