By Michael Adeyemo
The Oyo State Police Command, in a proactive move to address security concerns and strengthen communal harmony, today, Thursday 23rd April 2026, convened a high-level stakeholders’ consultative meeting at the Command Headquarters.
The meeting brought together a broad spectrum of critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, leaders of the Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba communities, representatives of Miyetti Allah, farmers’ associations, market leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, and members of the Igbo community, among others. The engagement focused on charting a sustainable path toward peaceful co-existence and enhanced security across Oyo State.
The forum served as an open and inclusive platform to deliberate on issues bordering on herder-farmer clashes, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities. Participants engaged in frank and constructive discussions, openly expressing concerns while collectively shifting from entrenched grievances toward practical and collaborative solutions.
In his address, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, emphasized that true security cannot be achieved through enforcement alone but through mutual understanding and cooperation. He noted that both farmers and herders play vital roles in the nation’s food security and economic stability, underscoring the need for peaceful collaboration.
The meeting yielded several key resolutions aimed at fostering both immediate and long-term stability:
- Joint Mediation Committees: Establishment of local-level committees at all Area Command levels, comprising representatives of herders and farmers, to promptly resolve disputes before escalation.
- Resource Mapping: Deliberations on clearly identifying and demarcating gazetted grazing reserves and traditional farming lands to prevent accidental encroachment and conflict.
- Enhanced Communication Framework: Proposal for the deployment of structured communication systems, including CCTV and information-sharing platforms, to monitor movements, alert relevant parties, and support intelligence gathering for the Police.
Representatives of both farmers and herders’ associations pledged their commitment to working closely with the Police to ensure a peaceful and secure environment.
In their separate remarks, stakeholders expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Police Command for convening the timely and strategic meeting aimed at addressing lingering concerns among various groups. They collectively acknowledged that the moment calls not for blame, but for unity of purpose—emphasizing the need to build a common, prosperous future anchored on peace, trust, and mutual respect across Oyo State.
The Commissioner of Police further warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, reiterating the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
For emergencies, residents are advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Center via the toll-free line: 615, or reach the Command Control Room through 08081768614 and 07055495413
