Kidnapping: Lagos Adopts New Measures to Secure Epe’s Farmers

Gboyega Akinsanmi

The Lagos State Government tuesday disclosed that it had worked out adequate measures to protect farmers in Epe and its axis against incessant kidnappings, which it said, was a huge threat to its food security initiatives.

The state government also noted that it would vigorously pursue and sustain the renewed enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada plying restricted routes.

The state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, disclosed after the state security council meeting at the State House yesterday, assuring residents and investors of commitment to their security and well-being.

The governor noted that no stone would be left unturned “to ensure that farmers in Epe are accordingly protected and nothing threatens the state’s drive to achieve food security.”

Also after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, disclosed that though it was impossible to completely eradicate crime, the state government was working round the clock to ensure the safety of Epe’s farmers against kidnappers.

He said Ambode recently led top security operatives and government officials to the axis “to ascertain the state of affairs and personally assured the farmers of the commitment of the state government to ensure they carry out their farming activities without let or hindrance.

“I can tell you that so many commitments have been made. Two weeks ago, the governor led security council members to Epe where commitments were made and some of the measures and strategies being put in place to check this menace.”

Owoseni, therefore, said the council “has concluded that it has been relatively calm here and where we need to do more of interventions with the view to doubling our efforts.”
He added that the council identified those areas and Ambode’s commitment remained unwavering and that every effort that would secure Lagos and make business and commercial activities to be carried out without let or hindrance would be done.

He also said the council reviewed the operation on the total enforcement of Okada ban and agreed that the renewed efforts toward enforcing the law with regards to the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles in the State will be sustained.

Owoseni explained that the law enforcement “will be sustained in view of the threat to security that we have witnessed in the past. There is a renewed commitment, we will sustain it and ensure that Lagos Road Traffic Law, 2012 is effectively enforced.”