By UCHENNA ELETUO

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Abdullahi Sesan-Olowa, says security and peace are needed to sustain the development of the coastal city.

Olowa made the statement at the council’s security and peace meeting held at the secretariat on Tuesday to promote the safety of lives and property.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting followed security concerns raised by residents over the presence of unfamiliar faces in the community.

The meeting attracted traditional rulers, hotel owners, Community Development Associations, school owners and community members.

Security operatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps were also in attendance.

The chairman tasked the operatives with ensuring safety and urged residents to remain vigilant in light of the concerns raised by members of the community.

“We must all be security conscious. If you see something suspicious, please do not take the law into your own hands,” he said.

He urged residents to report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest security agency.

The council boss also called on hotel owners to maintain proper registration and records of all guests to aid security monitoring.

Speaking at the session, the Onibeju of Ibeju, Oba Olasunkanmi Oguntolu, appealed to residents to be watchful of new entrants into the community.

The royal father commended the security agencies for their dedication and urged them to maintain law and order.

The Commanding Officer, Epe Barracks, Lt.-Col. Samson Enye, assured stakeholders that security personnel were working round the clock to safeguard the public.

“We are not resting on our oars. Our men work day and night to ensure the safety of residents,” Enye said.

He urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to prevent unnecessary anxiety.

He reiterated the military’s commitment to collaborative security efforts in the local government area. (NAN)