Olatunji Leads Joint Taskforce Raid in Orita-Challenge, Dismantles Illegal Structures, Makes Drug Arrests

The executive chairman of Oluyole local government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has disclosed that two persons have been arrested with substance suspected to be hard drugs.

The arrested was made on Wednesday when a combined team of environmental and Security Taskforce stormed suspected criminal hideouts at different hotspots in Orita-Challenge, Ibadan.

Olatunji, who jointly led the taskforce operation alongside CSP Mavis Jayeola, the Divisional Police Officer of Orita Challenge, revealed that the joint operation was carried out following several petitions received from members of various community in the area about nefarious activities of suspected individuals and groups.

During the operation, illegal and unauthorised structures and shanties which have served as hideouts for criminal elements in the area were also dismantled by the joint taskforce.

He reaffirmed the zero tolerance of his administration for all forms of criminal activities, assuring that no stone will be left unturned to ensure safety of life and property for residents in the Council.

Speaking newsmen shortly after the raid, Olatunji said: “A joint taskforce of Oluyole local government came to Orita-Challenge in Ibadan where some illegal structures where individuals and some faceless persons were inhabiting.

“We’ve received a lot of petitions from members of various communities in the area with regards to their nefarious activities in which they rob, maime, rape, and even sell out drugs.

“So, as a responsive and responsible government, we are left with no choice than to move in immediately to restore public confidence and peace.

“Prior to this operation, they have been well notified ahead to vacate this place. In fact, we gave them a 30 days notice to that effect but they didn’t take note.

“Although, we only made arrest of two persons caught with substance suspected to be narcotic drugs, others have been ordered to vacate the place immediately. They’ve also been warned not to engage in anything that will disturb public peace of the area.

“The Police is already handling the case of arrest made and I believe in due time, further investigation will be concluded to fast track prosecution to serve as deterrent to others like them.

The exercise was conducted in collaboration with multiple security agencies, including Amotekun, the Nigeria Police Force, Operation Burst, Civil Defence, and the Environmental Task Force, all working together to strengthen safety within the local government.

In his brief remark, one of the community leaders and chairman of PCRC in the area, Chief Olayinka Banjo, commended the Olatunji’s unrelenting commitment to the development of Oluyole local government.

He noted that proactive approach of the LG boss was laudable and is building public confidence in a safer Oluyole. He also urged individuals with no known identity or traceable work in the habit of sleeping by the roadside after nightfall to seek proper accommodation.

In the joint taskforce team were representatives of the heads of security agencies and non state security personnel including local vigilante group.