We’re determined to stamp out kidnapping in Lagos-Ambode

Lagos State Government, Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said his administration is determined to stamp out kidnapping and violent crime from Lagos.
The governor spoke at the grand finale of this year’s Community Day celebration held at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

Ambode said all hands must be on deck to nip in the bud all forms of kidnapping, crime, sexual harassment and other debilitating vices from Lagos.

“I urge you all to be law abiding and vigilant in all our communities so as not to allow any form of criminality such as kidnapping, sexual harassment and robbery in our state. Today, our security slogan, ‘see something, say something’ has become the password for 24-hour vigilance,” said Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Abdullateef Abdulhakeem.

Ambode added that in order to strengthen community-based security initiative, the Neighbourhood Safety Agency Bill which was recently signed into law was part of government’s efforts to institutionalize and deepen community policing strategy in the state.

“No fewer than 5,000 Neighbourhood Watchers will be employed with a minimum salary of N25,000 monthly to attract quality personnel that would complement other security agencies operating in Lagos State ,” he said.

On the theme of the event which was “Community Policing: A Panacea for Securing our Communities,” the governor said it was apt as the theme focused on one of the key factors which needed collective action in the respective communities.

“The theme reminds us of the urgent need to preserve the heritage of peace and harmony that our founding fathers bestowed on us. The prosperity of Lagos is directly stimulated by the security of investments and harmony among our people,” he stated.

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Muslim Folami appealed to Community Development Associations, CDAs and residents to take the issue of security in their various communities seriously so as to put an end to all sorts of criminalities, insecurity and other violent acts.

He said the perpetrators of such heinous crimes were not ghosts but lived, wined and dined within the communities, adding that government would continue to support various community development initiatives.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Communities and Communication, Kehinde Bamigbetan challenged community leaders to be alive to their responsibilities, which included civic enlightenment. Monitoring and upkeep of provided facilities, good environmental sanitation and payment of their dues to government at all levels.