… As CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Gives Marching Order Against Drug Dealers in Ondo
In a renewed drive to combat cultism and other social vices through preventive strategies, the Ondo Chapter of the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Social Vices (POCACOV) participated in a high-level security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Civic Centre in Ondo City earlier today.
Leading the team, the Ondo State Chairman of POCACOV, Princess Regina Mogbojuri, emphasised the importance of prevention over control in tackling the menace of cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal behaviours.
Addressing a cross-section of community leaders and security stakeholders, Princess Mogbojuri asserted that massive public campaigns and active engagement remain the most effective tools for sustaining national development and peaceful coexistence.
“Rather than controlling the menace after it spreads, we must begin to prevent cultism and social vices before they take root,” she stated, urging traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society organisations to join hands with POCACOV in building safer communities.
Introducing the vision and objectives of POCACOV to the gathering, she highlighted the initiative’s readiness to partner with local stakeholders in promoting peace and security across Ondo communities.
She further commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering commitment to safety and public enlightenment in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Princess Mogbojuri also extended appreciation to the National Coordinator of POCACOV, Mrs. Bisi Okuwobi, for her trust and continued support, describing her leadership as pivotal in driving the organisation’s nationwide impact.
She praised the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc+, for his proactive steps in initiating the community security meeting and reviving neighbourhood watch mechanisms to combat crime at the grassroots level.
In a strong message to criminal elements, CP Afolabi gave a marching order against drug dealers operating in motor parks and other hotspots in Ondo community.
Addressing concerns raised during the meeting, the Commissioner of Police condemned the proliferation of arms, reaffirming that enhanced accountability and continuous professional training within the police force remain top priorities in strengthening public trust and operational effectiveness.
“A policeman that is not well trained is a risk to himself and to society,” CP Afolabi noted, adding that continuous workshops and capacity-building sessions have been instituted to enhance officers’ professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.
He further advised owners of supermarkets, hotels, and stores to install CCTV cameras as a proactive security measure.
Reaffirming the importance of public collaboration, he disclosed his personal call lines for whistle-blowing and intelligence sharing, urging residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.
On the issue of cultism, the CP charged all stakeholders to initiate massive awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas, stressing that community security requires a collective effort.
Chairman of Ondo West Local Government, Hon. Ayotunde Akinfolarin, in his vote of thanks, lauded all stakeholders for their commitment to the security of lives and properties. He also praised Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for the recent distribution of 50 security vehicles to support the state’s security architecture, describing it as a demonstration of the governor’s dedication to safety and responsive governance.
The meeting had in attendance the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi and Ondo’s Divisional Police Officers, Executive Chairman, Ondo West, Ayotunde Akinfolarin,Executive Chairman, Ondo East LGA, Hon. Joshua Ogunduyilemi, LGA, Vice Chairman, Ondo West LGA, Hon. Bashiru Oluwole, Vice Chairman, Secretaries of Ondo East and West, traditional rulers, members of POCACOV, Ondo State Chapter, religious leaders, Representatives of Drivers Union, Representatives of the Hausa and Igbo Communities, Representatives of Ondo East Youth Council, Representatives of Adeyemi Federal University of Education Security Unit, Amotekun Corps, Vigilant Group of Nigeria, Traditional Hunters of Ondo State, all unified in their resolve to stamp out cultism and other vices from Ondo City and the State at large.
