By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State command, Fatai Tijani, has condemned rising cultism and violence in Agege, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Tijani spoke on Thursday at a town hall meeting with Area G Police, stakeholders and residents at Orile-Agege LCDA Hall in Agege.

He expressed disappointment over increasing killings and gangsterism, warning that insecurity had reached worrying levels across the community.

The commissioner, citing decades of service in Lagos, said he could not take pride in his office while criminal activities persisted in the area.

“In the past, residents moved freely at any time without fear, but that situation has changed.

“Those days, you could walk around freely without fear, but it is not the same today,” Tijani said.

He identified cultism and gangsterism as major threats, noting that killings had become frequent and alarming.

“I see them killing—one person today, two tomorrow. This must stop,” he said.

Tijani stressed that effective policing required public cooperation, insisting that security remained a collective responsibility.

“Policing is not a one-man business. I cannot sit in my office in Ikeja and know everything happening elsewhere,” he said.

He urged residents to provide timely information, saying collaboration was essential for meaningful security outcomes.

“It is through community assistance that police can work effectively. Without your support, little can be achieved,” he said.

Tijani acknowledged government support for security operations but said residents must complement such efforts through vigilance and cooperation.

He called on parents, community leaders and stakeholders to help tackle cultism and violence in the area.

The commissioner assured that police were ready to partner with communities at all levels to restore peace and security.

Earlier, Agege Local Government Chairman, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, identified cultism and drug abuse as key drivers of insecurity.

Obasa said both issues were closely linked, noting that drug abuse fuelled violent clashes, attacks and shop burglaries among youths.

He cited a recent Oko-koto incident where two persons were killed and called for stronger collaboration with police.

Orile-Agege LCDA Chairman, Akinola Idowu, also raised concerns over emerging social challenges affecting youths and development.

He said the council was implementing short and long-term strategies to strengthen security and improve productivity with stakeholders.

Idowu added that the council, with state support, remained committed to sustaining peace and delivering lasting solutions for stability and development. (NAN)

•PHOTO: Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, speaking at a town hall meeting with Area G Police, stakeholders and residents at Orile-Agege LCDA on Thursday

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