In response to growing security challenges in Ondo East and Ondo West, members of the Itesiwaju Movement paid a courtesy visit to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, urging urgent measures to tackle cultism, gang violence, and other criminal activities in the area.
The delegation, led by Barrister Motunrayo Akindele on behalf of the group’s convener, Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, stressed the importance of adopting a people-centered and community-driven approach to security.
Akindele reiterated the group’s readiness to collaborate with security agencies in ensuring lasting peace and addressing the underlying factors that fuel violence.
During the meeting, the group called for a firm crackdown on criminal elements endangering lives in the region.
In response, CP Lawal assured that the police would intensify operations to dismantle cult groups and violent gangs.
He also urged community members to refrain from protecting those known to be involved in crime.
Other members of the delegation — including Kehinde Betiku, Olumide Akintayo, Aseyege Olaitan, and Jonah Temitope, presented several recommendations such as anonymous crime reporting, youth-oriented initiatives, media campaigns, and closer community partnerships as ways to enhance security and rebuild public confidence.
CP Lawal welcomed the proposals, pledged sustained collaboration, and expressed the police’s willingness to engage more actively with local stakeholders through regular town hall meetings and partnership with the Police Community Relations Committee.
The Itesiwaju Movement described the engagement as a vital move toward achieving lasting peace through inclusive and citizen-led strategies.
“Peace is our priority. Development is our mission. Itesiwaju Ondo lo je wa logun,” the group declared.