IF YOU HARBOUR CRIMINALS IN YOUR HOUSE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL DEAL WITH YOU

Dapo Abiodun & CP, Basir Makama.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has sounded a note of warning to property owners in the state that let out their properties to criminally minded individuals that in turn make life unbearable for the people of the state, saying that such properties would be seized, demolished and airing owners dealt with accordingly.

Prince Dapo Abiodun who made this known in his office while addressing pressmen on the state of security in the state, said that the three kidnappings that occurred along the Lagos Ibadan expressway, involving 7 victims on the 23rd and 24th of July and 1st of August, along Sagamu-Benin expressway, involving 5 victims, including Deaconess Chidinma Ebeleji of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the state was a test of his administrations resolve to ensure that the state was secured for all.

He sounded a note of warning to all landlords and property owners who just give out their apartments to people they don't know, saying that it has now become important for property owners to know their tenants very well.

"Let me sound a strong note of warning to our landlords and any property owner, that any property or facility found to be serving as hideout to criminals will not only be taken over, but will be demolished, the landlords will also be arrested and handed over for prosecution for harboring criminals, we will consider and treat them as accomplices," he said.

Abiodun while calling on the people who reside in the state to cooperate and collaborate with law enforcements agencies, by giving them necessary information about any suspicious movement in their area, added that the criminals are not ghosts or spirits, but humans who live amongst the people.

He noted that no part of the state would be a safe haven for criminals in the state, adding that criminals would be smoked out of the state.

"Let me state in clear terms, no part of Ogun State will be a safe haven for criminals and criminality of whatever form, whether on Lagos- Ibadan expressway, Sagamu- Benin- Ore expressway, Abeokuta- Sango- Lagos expressway, or even our township roads or interstate roads, we shall smoke them out, we shall arrest them, we shall hand them over to the swift hand of justice," he said.

Abiodun while also noting that a secured environment was imperative for a secured environment for investments, said that his administration would continue to ensure that people go about their legitimate business and enterprise in a secured environment.

He assured people with legitimate businesses to go about their normal duties as the state would continue to be a paradise for them, adding that for people with criminal tendencies, hell for them would continue to be a child's play.

Abiodun also used the opportunity to inform men of the press that his government was reorganizing the states security trust fund that would tackle shortage in equipment for security operatives, adding that the security trust fund would have the right corporate governance that would provide the right funding for security agencies.

He further noted that their would be a collaborative South West initiative that would have a wholesome crime fighting apparatus to make the region a no go area for criminals, commending the leadership of security agencies for their dedication, professionalism and gallantry, which he said had contributed in no small measure to the continuous peace the state is enjoying.

The governor thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu for their timely intervention and quick deployment of men, resources, equipment, adding that the helicopter that was released for surveillance of the area had helped in tracking down the criminals.

In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama said that the suspect arrested would be properly investigated, adding that the police command would not allow criminals to have a smooth time in the state.