The Alara of Ilara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), has convened an emergency security summit in Ilara to address rising concerns over safety and security across Eredo Local Council Development Area and the wider Epe Division.
Epe Insights reports that the high-level meeting held at the ancient palace brought together traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders to review emerging security concerns and coordinate proactive measures for peace and stability.
Royal fathers in attendance included the Alade Uraka of Poka Land, HRM Oba Kolawole Ayodele Aliru, and the Adegbawojo of Odo-Gbawojo Kingdom, HRM Oba Adelani Oluwafummilade Adeniyi (Oke 1), alongside senior security officials.
Representatives of the military, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and Naval Base, Iji, also participated in the summit.
Security authorities collectively dismissed rumours of banditry in Eredo LCDA and the wider Epe Division, describing the reports circulating on social media as false and misleading.
They urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information and instead rely on official security channels for credible updates.
The Alara of Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo, said the meeting became necessary due to rising panic caused by misinformation and security rumours across communities.
He stressed that proactive collaboration between residents and security agencies remains essential in preventing insecurity and maintaining public order.
The monarch called on residents to adopt the “see something, say something” approach and report suspicious activities promptly to security authorities.
He warned against jungle justice, urging youths to refrain from taking the law into their own hands under any circumstances.
Oba Ogunsanwo emphasized that community vigilance, cooperation, and responsible communication are key to sustaining peace in Eredo LCDA.
The Adegbawojo of Odo-Gbawojo Kingdom, Oba Adelani Oluwafummilade Adeniyi, also dismissed viral claims of bandit presence in his domain.
He explained that individuals previously reported in a residence were verified to be foreign nationals, later identified and profiled by security agencies.
According to him, the individuals were handed over to the police after investigations confirmed they were not involved in criminal activity.
He noted that freedom of movement allows lawful residence of foreigners, urging residents to avoid ethnic profiling and unfounded assumptions.
Oba Adelani further cautioned against labelling any group as criminals based on origin, warning that such actions could escalate tensions.
He also condemned jungle justice, especially against innocent individuals, stressing the need for lawful engagement with security agencies.
The Alade Uraka of Poka Land called for calm, vigilance, and responsible communication among residents across Eredo communities.
He urged citizens to avoid rumour mongering, noting that misinformation can destabilize peaceful communities.
Security agencies at the summit emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it on social media.
They also recommended operational guidelines including restricted motorcycle movement between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. to curb criminal activities.
Authorities further advised that household generating sets should be turned off by midnight to aid night surveillance operations.
Stakeholders also warned against jungle justice, particularly actions targeting Northerners or any ethnic group, stressing national unity and lawful conduct.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Eredo LCDA, represented by Hon. Semiu, reaffirmed the council’s continuous support for security agencies and local vigilante groups.
He commended the Alara for convening the summit at a critical time when rumours had heightened public tension
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Community representatives, including Chief Olayemi Saka from Odo-Egiri, called for increased monitoring of scavengers and informal operators, urging residents to remain alert.
He noted that unchecked activities could pose security risks and emphasized the need for community-driven vigilance.
The summit concluded with a unanimous resolution to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve community policing, and maintain peace across Eredo LCDA and Epe Division.
Observers described the meeting as a timely intervention that helped calm public fears and reinforce coordinated security efforts.
