By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodele Sonubi and the Chairman Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Sikiru Sanda on Friday recalled that a devastating incident which happened in 2003, where a 300-level student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) was brutally murdered by cultists was what led to the establish a police station in the Maku, Iyana Church, Egbeda local government Area, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.
They said, although the incident sparked a sense of urgency among the Itesiwaju Central Landlord Association to establish a police station in the area, the initiative later led to the construction of the Maku Police Station, which has now been upgraded to an Area Command Office.
The effort, according to the two officials, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the community, local government, and state government in addressing security concerns and promoting development the area.
The duo spoke in their separate remarks at the official commissioning ceremony of the facility, an event which had top community leaders, religious leaders, members of the landlord Associations, various interest groups, traditional ruler, lawmakers, political office holders among other stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking at the event, Sanda, who is also the Chairman, Egbeda local government area, Ibadan, Oyo state emphasized the significance of the project, stating that security remains a top priority for Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
He acknowledged the contributions of community leaders, including Baba Ajisefini, A.K. Value, who donated the land, and appreciated the 21 zonal chairmen and secretaries who played crucial roles in the project’s realization.
Sanda said the reconstructed police station, which was completed after 12 years, has been upgraded to an Area Command Office, with the local government investing several million naira to ensure it meets the required standard.
He said the new facility is equipped with modern equipment and needed amenities to make the operatives comfortable at work.
He assured residents of Olootu, Ebenezeri, Amosun, Maku, and surrounding communities that they can expect enhanced security and swift law enforcement responses.
He said, “We want to assure the people of these areas that they can now sleep with their two eyes closed because the operations of this Command, under which there would be many Divisional Police Stations, will in no doubt yield positive results.
“The upgraded police station is expected to reduce crime to the barest minimum and bring more developments to the community because where there is peace, there will be progress.
Earlier In his welcome address, Moniya Area Commander, ACP Vaughan Omololu, highlighted the community’s role in initiating the project and appealed for continued support and cooperation from residents.
He emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and assured the community of the police’s total cooperation.
“Permit me at this juncture to appreciate the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP. Sonubi O. Ayodele Psc, in his own wisdom making your dream a reality by turning this Station to Area Command, definitely it will surely bring more developments to the community because where there is peace, there will be progress,” ACP Omololu said.
The highpoint of the commissioning ceremony was the distribution of motorcycles to various security agencies in the area.
