Ikale Security Observer (ISO) holds second summit , presents security logistics to Ikale professional hunters and vigilantes.
– Steve Ovirih.
There cannot be a better way to show passionate concern for a peoples’ homestead more than what Ikales in The Disapora under the auspices of Ikale Security Observer (ISO), have been doing in recent time .
Ikale Security Observer it would be recalled came to existence as a response to the security challenges that followed the Endsars crisis of October 2020 in which many public facilities in Ikaleland were burnt while important documents were lost to the youths act of arson and brigandage.
Earlier , the first summit had held last year at the Igbotako country home of Prince (Dr) Gen. Olu Bajowa (OFR) where Retired Commissioner of Police Abayomi Akeremale gave a thought provoking lecture on the need for synergy between the local security outfit and government security agencies .
The success of the first ISO summit and the need to consolidate on the gains made so far in the area of securing adequately Ikale nation hinged on the steadfast commitment of the professional hunters and vigilantes warranted the second Ikale Security summit.
In his good will address at the summit, the Director General of ISO, who also doubles as the President of Ikale World Congress (IWC), who alongside Ikale Royal Fathers had earlier in the day inspected renovation works ongoing at the Okitipupa Judiciary Division ( Magistrate Court Complex Okitipupa ) , noted with delight that ISO which has membership across Europe and America is an organization that is very passionate about the security of Ikale people in general.
” I bring greetings from Ikales in The Diaspora across Europe and America who are members of Ikale Security Observer. You will recall that after the EndSars crisis , we were disturbed about the state of security at home particularly when places like the police station, the prison , the courts were burnt while public property suffered arson from the hoodlums.
” Then we conferred with our revered Gen. Olu Bajowa and other stakeholders about the next step we can take to support and shore up the security situation in the land. That was how we came about the idea of Ikale Security Observer ( ISO) under the able Chairmanship of Aare (Prof.) Salewa Olafioye.
” I must appreciate most sincerely members of ISO who are sons and daughters of Ikale across Europe and America for their contribution which of course has been immense. Today, in our bid to identify with the proactive commitment of our professional local hunters and vigilantes, ISO will be supplying over 125 walkie – talkies, considerable number of whistles and jackets as well as token to encourage and appreciate the hunters and vigilantes.
” We understand communication plays prominent role in grassroots security work hence the need to provide these logistics. We however appeal to the hunters and vigilantes to continue to work hand in hand with Government security agencies,” Chief Dayo Ayebo emphasised.
In his speech , a copy of which was made available to newsmen, the Chairman of ISO Aare (Prof.) Salewa Olafioye said , ” It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you to the Ikale Security Observer summit, the second edition. On behalf of Ikales in The Disapora, I extend our appreciation to you all for the efforts you are making to make our community safe.
” We have been asked to deliver these security materials : walkie- talkies, whistles and uniforms as well as some little token of appreciation to help you strengthen your logistics as para security outfit. ”
While appealing to the local hunters and vigilantes to synergize with the police, Olafioye noted that the job of security and securing towns in Ikaleland belong to all the security outfits.
Olufemi Adeyemi Ayetiran , Secretary General ISO who shared his view with thepolity. net stressed that Ikale Security Observer is not a security organisation but a formation of groups of Ikale indigenes across the globe in active collaborations with others in Nigeria committed and passionate about the well-being of Ikaleland and her people.
He noted that those in the Diaspora have the mindset of retiring home in peace but the reality in the home front shows a high level of insecurity and anxiety as there is increase in insecurity . Ayetiran however thanked all the statutory security organisations that are doing tremendous job of protecting the people of Ikale, particularly the indigenous security organisations such as the professional hunters, the local vigilantes, Agbekoyas and others.
Ayetiran specially thanked all the financial contributors and those that will contribute in the future, while appreciating the National coordinators as well as the executives of ISO.
Okitipupa Area Commander Saliu Salau, DPO Okitipupa, DSP Bolaji Mustapha, DPO Ilutitun, CSP Abayomi Okunfolami and DPO Irele, SP Wole Ogodo were all on ground at the event.
In his lecture at the summit, DSP Bolaji Mustapha appraised the security situation in the land and noted that for the successful operations of the local security units, they must synergize with government security operatives . He charged them not to take laws into their hands and not to act as the judge in their own case.
” There is benefit in community policing and the relationship between community policing and the police is infinite. Your role is more of intelligence gathering and security awareness in your respective communities . I appeal to you not to use gun on any suspect and don’t always forget that the people you may have reason to deal with are suspects until the court pronounces otherwise , so you do not have the right to manhandle them.
” Private citizen arrest can only be made if only the one to effect the arrest will not be in security disadvantage and you all must remember that jungle Justice is not allowed. It is equally important to stress that most of the offences are bailable and when you make an arrest , the lawyer is right behind the suspect, his client to effect his bail; so when that happens you don’t accuse the police of collaborating with suspects.
“We are on ground to swing into action when you provide us with adequate security intelligence, ” CSP Bolaji Mustapha added.
Over 125 walkie-talkies , whistles and jackets were given to the local security operatives. SP Wole Ogodo gave a training on how to operate the walkie – talkies and gave practical exercise in the course of the summit.
In his reaction on behalf of the local security operatives, Mr. Ayenogun Orimisan , National Welfare Officer, Professional Hunters Association of Nigeria thanked ISO for their steady and regular patronage. He promised that the operatives will not disappoint the trust reposed in the local hunters and the vigilantes , stressing that with the new communication gadgets, they will be in a better position to work concertedly across all the communities making up Ikaleland.
Kowe Odunayo, a youth leader who also spoke with thepolity.net advised the youths to shun vices that will make the society to brand them as ‘never do Wells.’ He thanked ISO for showing overwhelming support both in cash and in kind for the local security outfits.
Ikale Security Observer (ISO) has promised to continue to provide necessary support to the hunters, the vigilantes and Agbekoyas in its bid to ensure security of live is adequately catered for.
