Ogun to deal with criminals, accomplices - Abiodun

Ogun State government has sounded a note of warning to anyone found involved in kidnapping, robbery, cultism and other forms of criminalities in the State, as well as, property owners who let out their properties to criminally minded individuals, saying it would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on them.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who gave the warning in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, while addressing the press in the wake of recent kidnappings, said no part of the State would be a safe haven for criminals, as they would be apprehended.

"Let me sound a strong note of warning to our landlords and any property owner, that any property or facility found to be serving as hideout to criminals will not only be taken over, but will be demolished. The landlords will also be arrested and handed over for prosecution for harbouring criminals. We will consider and treat them as accomplices", he said.

Abiodun while calling on the people to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, by giving them useful information about any suspicious movement in their area, added that the criminals are not ghosts or spirits, but humans who live amongst the people.

"Let me state in clear terms, no part of Ogun State will be a safe haven for criminals and criminality of whatever form. Whether on Lagos- Ibadan expressway, Sagamu-Benin- Ore expressway, Abeokuta-Sango-Lagos expressway or even our township or interstate roads, we shall smoke them out, arrest and hand them over to the swift hand of justice", he said.

Abiodun while also noting that a secured environment was imperative for investments, said his administration would ensure that bushes around the Sagamu- Ore Expressway would be cleared 25 metres into the bush, to enable travellers see those lurking around to commit crime, adding that Security agents would be properly equip to combat crimes in the riverine areas of the State.

He assured people with legitimate businesses to go about their normal duties, saying, government would soon unveil the Southwest initiative of crime fighting, just as the State Security Trust Fund, would be re-launched, as soon as the legislative action has been taken by the State House of Assembly, to provide security Agencies with the needed tools to carry out their duties more efficiently.

The Governor appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu for their timely intervention, adding that the helicopter released for surveillance of the area helped in tracking down the criminals.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama said the suspects would be properly investigated, adding that the Police Command would not allow criminals to have a smooth time in the State.