In a proactive move to tackle rising security challenges, residents of Abesan Estate, located in the Ipaja area of Lagos, recently gathered for a well-attended security summit aimed at addressing key concerns within their community.
The summit, held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, brought together local leaders, community members, and officials from the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who delivered vital messages about safeguarding the area from criminal activities and drug abuse.
The event, which took place at the Amen Centre, was organized by the Abesan Estate Development Group in conjunction with the Abesan Estate Residents’ Association (AERA) and all the seven Community Development Associations (CDA) in the estate in collaboration with local security stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Coordinator of the Abesan Development Group, Elder Bisola Ogunyanwo, explained that with the increase in crime rates, including burglaries, drug-related offenses, and violent crimes in neighboring communities, the summit is a critical step toward building stronger security mechanisms and fostering collaboration between residents and law enforcement agencies.
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According to him, the security summit provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the various threats facing the estate and potential solutions to curb them.
“The estate seeks urgent security reforms and infrastructure support with a fund goal of N500m to restore safety and peace,” he added.
Earlier in his welcome address, President of AERA, Elder M.A.O Kehinde revealed that robberies and break-ins have become a recurring concern by residents.
“It should be noted that our estate and environment are under siege and drastic intervention is required before it gets worse. The in-flocks of foreigners cannot be over emphasized; it needs to be addressed urgently.
“Borehole pumps are removed in broad daylight, flats broken into, generators stolen and cars vandalized. The estate is getting more dangerous for lack of security, “he added.
Several attendees shared personal experiences, while community leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening security patrols and improving street lighting across the estate.
Officials from the NDLEA, led by SN Dauda Fatima, Commander, Agege NDLEA Command, expressed concern over rising drug use in Nigeria, particularly among young people.
Mrs Fatima called for collective vigilance to prevent drug peddlers from gaining a foothold in the community. “We have seen how communities can be torn apart by drug abuse, leading to further criminal activities. The NDLEA is ready to work with you to combat this menace, but we need your eyes and ears on the ground,” she said.
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In their addresses, both the police and NDLEA officials stressed the importance of community vigilance in combating crime and ensuring public safety.
Former DPO of Ipaja Police Station, CSP Tokunbo Abaniwonda and the Current DPO called on residents to actively engage with the neighborhood watch groups and report suspicious activities without delay.
“Security is everyone’s business,” Abaniwonda said. “We cannot be everywhere at once, but with your cooperation, we can drastically reduce crime and ensure a safer environment for all.”
NDLEA’s Mrs. Fatima reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that drug dealers often target unsuspecting communities like Abesan Estate, especially when residents let their guard down. “If you see something, say something,” she urged. “Drug peddlers are very discreet in their operations, but with heightened vigilance, we can catch them early.”
In addition to the warnings and advice from law enforcement, panelists and residents also discussed several initiatives aimed at improving security within the estate.
“We are working closely with the police to increase patrols and ensure that we have more eyes on the ground, particularly at night,” said Elder Kehinde, President of AERA.
One of the highlights of the summit was the discussion around youth engagement.
Given the concerns about cultism and drug abuse, the community has resolved to focus on empowering young people through mentorship programs, skills acquisition workshops, and recreational activities.
“We need to give our youth’s positive outlets to express themselves and grow,” said Mr. Orimolade, Secretary to the Mosan Okunola LCDA. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, and we cannot afford to ignore the needs of our younger generation.”
As the summit concluded, the key message was clear: the Abesan Estate must remain vigilant and united in its efforts to combat crime and drug abuse.
The collaboration between the community, the police, and the NDLEA was praised as a positive step toward ensuring a safer environment for all residents.