PCRC hails retired Ogun DPO’s crime-fighting efforts

The Police Community Relations Committee in the Warewa axis of Ogun State has commended the retired Divisional Police Officer in the area, CSP John Ayegbede, for his efforts in combating crime, particularly along the Long Bridge corridor.

The PUNCH learnt in an interview with the chairman of the PCRC, Warewa Division, Julius Olaniyan, on Sunday, that the officer’s tenure was transformative in addressing insecurity in the area.

He noted that before Ayegbede’s deployment, the Long Bridge had become a hotspot for criminal activities, including robbery and kidnapping, especially during traffic congestion.

“Before he came, the situation on the Long Bridge was chaotic. The activities of miscreants were rampant. Kidnappings and robbery attacks on motorists were also reported almost daily.

“Whenever there were traffic jams on the bridge, motorists drove against traffic, which always made the situation worse,” he said.

The PCRC chairman explained that upon assumption of duty, the DPO engaged stakeholders across the community and introduced strategies to tackle the menace.

He said one of the key interventions was the clearing of bushes around the bridge, which had served as hideouts for criminals.

Olaniyan added, “But when CSP Ayegbede came on board, he called a meeting of all stakeholders in the communities and briefed us about some strategies he had in mind to tackle the situation.

“He initiated the clearing of bushes between and under the bridge where the hoodlums were hiding before coming out to operate.”

He added that the construction of temporary police posts on both sides of the bridge, along with 24-hour patrols, significantly reduced criminal activity in the area.

According to him, the initiative was supported by stakeholders who contributed financially to ensure its success.

“Buildings of two shelters (temporary police posts) on both sides of the Long Bridge for the officers to stay when on duty, and a 24-hour patrol of the bridge.

“These actions resulted in a drastic reduction of crime. His men, who were patrolling the Long Bridge, became more friendly, helping motorists who had issues,” he added.

Olaniyan further praised Ayegbede’s commitment to community policing, noting that he maintained regular interaction with PCRC members, motorists, community leaders, and organisations within the axis.

He also commended the officer’s diligence in handling criminal cases, stating that suspects were promptly charged in court or referred for further investigation.

“As the Chairman of the PCRC, Warewa Division, I visited the DPO office almost every day to observe what goes on, and I observed that CSP John didn’t waste time in charging cases to court or referring them to Eleweran in Abeokuta for further investigation.

“Motorists plying one-way routes were promptly charged to court, which sent signals to others not to indulge in the act,” Olaniyan concluded.