Lagos police boss promises safe haven to citizens, investors
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Acting Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi has promised to make Lagos the safest city to do business in Africa.
The CP was speaking at a Town Hall Stakeholders Security Meeting at Ogudu, where he charged religious leaders to contribute more to security of their respective communities.
He said: “I want to make Lagos state the safest city to do business in Africa. I want to see a Lagos where residents will not only go to bed with their eyes close but with their doors open. It is very possible – and we will achieve it with your support.”
On his concept of community policing and safety partnership, the CP said, “Security is a corporate social responsibility which should be given back to the community where one resides and do business.
“Ogudu is fast becoming a business district: what are you doing to make room for this change and secure your neighbourhoods better?” He asked.
Encouraging the people to engage policemen more and challenge the police on their job, the cop said, it has been observed that the people are not engaging their police enough.
“I’m using this opportunity to call on market owners, CDAs, CDCs and Landlord Associations to reach out to the policemen in their communities. Always extend invitations to them and don’t treat them like strangers.
“Approach them when you have security challenges and they will serve you better.
The police was set up for you. The police have the power over internal security; others are just here to complement us.”
He advised the Local Governments to support the vigilante initiative by partnering with Divisional Police Officers to rid neighbourhoods of crimes – especially in the night hours.
“I don’t want a situation where the people can only sleep with their eyes closed at night; I want the people to also sleep with their windows open for fresh air.”
The Deputy Director, Transport Safety, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr. Olajide Oduyoye who was at the security parley, appealed to the CP to ensure adequate protection for BRT buses which are often attacked and burnt down by hoodlums whenever an accident occurred on BRT corridor.
Oduyoye added that BRT buses are owned by a private operated company only offering services for the benefit of Lagos state and her citizens.
