Matilda Omonaiye/
In a move to quell rising tensions between farmers and herders in Olugbo and surrounding villages, the Ogun State Police Command has convened a high-level Security Consultation/Stakeholders’ Meeting on February 4, 2025.
Spearheaded by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Odeda, the meeting brought together key community leaders to broker peace and prevent further clashes over farmland destruction and cattle killings.
The consultation, held at the Olugbo Police Outstation, followed a directive from Commissioner of Police, Dr. Lanre Ogunlowo, emphasizing dialogue as a tool for fostering peaceful coexistence. The gathering was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, farmers’ associations, herders’ representatives, security groups, and youth leaders from various villages.
After extensive discussions, all parties reached a consensus on four key resolutions:
• Commitment to Peace & Tolerance: Ethnic groups pledged to encourage peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among their members.
• Early Conflict Reporting: Community members were urged to report disputes promptly to security agencies to prevent escalation.
• Strengthened Law Enforcement Collaboration: The police reaffirmed their readiness to intervene swiftly in emerging conflicts.
• Stakeholder Cooperation: Attendees lauded the police initiative and pledged their full support to maintaining peace in Odeda.
The meeting, which lasted over two hours, was widely praised as a timely and proactive intervention to address the lingering crisis.
Speaking after the meeting, CSP Omolola Odutola, the Police Public Relations Officer, assured residents of the Ogun State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to upholding law and order across all communities. She urged the public to remain law-abiding and promptly report security concerns.