Osun CP seeks renewed trust, cooperation between police, communities

The Osun State Police Command is seeking to rebuild trust and cooperation with residents in Ayedaade, Irewole and Isokan Local Government Areas. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura emphasized this during a community engagement in Ikire, stressing that police work should be a collective responsibility. The engagement was part of efforts to enhance police-community relations and promote peace and security in the areas.

Zungura directed Area Commanders to organize similar engagements to better understand community concerns and address them appropriately. Residents were urged to trust the police, while police officers were reminded not to be used as instruments in political disputes. Any inappropriate behavior by officers would result in sanctions.

The police also affirmed that every complaint would be investigated professionally and impartially. ACP Kalat Shamang noted that the meeting helped identify the root causes of the strained relationship and stressed the need for a united approach to address the issues. Police bias and unprofessional conduct were identified as contributing factors, along with local government leadership crises and the governorship election.

A new Divisional Police Officer was deployed to Ikire, and a warning was issued regarding criminal activities. Stakeholders expressed appreciation for the Commissioner's commitment to improving the relationship and promised cooperation if assurances were fulfilled.