The House of Representatives is set to prioritize the passage of bills on state and community policing to address the escalating insecurity across the nation.
Hon. Stanley Olajide, Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on ICT, reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Assembly to expedite legislative measures during a press briefing at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
Hon. Olajide, who represents Ibadan North West/South West of Oyo State, expressed condolences to the Oyo State Government and the families affected by the explosion.
Emphasizing the significance of community policing, he stated, “Community policing is one of the smartest ways to police your people. Somebody sees something, somebody knows something; they need to speak at the right time.”
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Hon. Olajide asserted that the House would revisit discussions on state and community policing, making it a top priority when they reconvene. He stressed the need for immediate legislative support to address the prevailing security challenges.
Regarding the Ibadan explosion, Hon. Olajide commended Governor Seyi Makinde and first responders for their swift intervention. He provided an update on the situation, acknowledging casualties and the ongoing efforts to assist those injured.
The explosion, believed to be caused by illegal mining activities, has prompted a call for a thorough investigation by the Department of State Security (DSS).
“I’ve sent a message to the DG of DSS to conduct a thorough investigation because it’s one too many. When you have a situation like this, you don’t want to ever have it repeat itself,” stated Hon. Olajide.
He also thanked the emergency responders and called for collaboration with law enforcement to preserve the integrity of the crime scene. Hon. Olajide expressed gratitude for the support from various quarters and assured that relief materials would be provided to affected individuals.
In a collaborative effort, Hon. Ademorin Kuye joined his colleagues in expressing condolences to the government of Oyo State and the victims’ families. He underscored the need for fiscal federalism, advocating for state police as a crucial step towards addressing security concerns.
