ERIKA SANTELICES / AFP
The Oyo State House of Assembly has identified about 500 hard drugs joints and 25 notorious gang leaders in some parts of Ibadan, the state capital.
The Chairman of the state House Committee on Security and Strategy, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola made this known on Thursday, while giving a report on recent violent attacks in some areas of the state, specifically one that took place on October 22, 2017 during a youth carnival.
Rendering the report, Oyekola noted that some residents shielded the gang leaders and members from arrest while also hindering the prosecution of those arrested.
He also noted that hoodlums hindered development projects in the area, specifically the establishment of a World Bank borehole project within the area.
The Assembly, therefore, beckoned on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to deploy more of its officers to clamp down on the over 500 Indian hemp joints, while urging the Ibadan South West Local Government to see to the siting of a well-equipped police station within the area.
In addition, the Micheal Adeyemo-led Assembly urged the police to arrest all extortionists and operators of illegal road blocks with a view to guarding against molestation of drivers and commuters plying the area.
In addition, the Assembly urged the Governor Abiola Ajimobi led government to approve the deployment of two “Operation Burst” patrol vehicles and more officers to regularly patrol the axis.
It also called on the Bureau of Physical Planning and Development Control to come out with new layout plan that will decongest the area and eradicate slums.
Speaking further, Adeyemo appealed to politicians to desist from engaging unemployed youths for campaigns and intimidation of political opponents.
He said as a matter of importance, that the Nigerian Police, Oyo State Command, should enforce the ban on public-procession, carnivals and other social functions without permission, in the disputed areas and across the state.