07/06/2026
ORYA RAISES ALARM OVER ABANDONED POLICE POST, CALLS FOR URGENT SECURITY INTERVENTION IN SAAPADE/ODE REMO AXIS.
Sunday June 7, 2026
The Ode Remo Youth Association (ORYA) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of abandoned police posts within the Saapade/Ode Remo axis, warning that the neglected facilities could become potential hideouts for bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal elements if urgent intervention is not undertaken.
This position was contained in the report of a five-member committee constituted by the Association to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the abandoned police facilities and evaluate the security implications of their current state.
The committee, led by key Members of the Executive and Parliament of the Association visited two strategic locations within the axis: the former Police Post at Saapade and the Police Post located beside the old PHAB Petrol Station.
According to the committee's findings, both facilities have remained abandoned for a considerable period, resulting in severe environmental degradation and growing security concerns.
During the inspection, members observed that large portions of the premises had been overtaken by thick vegetation and overgrown bushes, creating conditions capable of concealing criminal activities and providing refuge for individuals seeking to evade law enforcement agencies.
The committee further discovered that the police post located beside the old PHAB Petrol Station had previously been allocated to the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment following a request to utilize the facility as official accommodation for the Remo North Zonal Office. Evidence of the allocation was found in a letter pasted on the wall of the structure.
However, despite the allocation, the premises have remained largely unattended, with nature gradually reclaiming the site and increasing concerns among residents about the security implications of the abandonment.
The committee noted that the continued neglect of these facilities poses a significant threat to the security architecture of Ode Remo, Saapade, and neighboring communities.
As part of its assignment, the committee paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Surv. Adetunji Amidu Osho, the Alaye of Ode Remo, to brief him on the findings of the assessment and seek royal support for immediate intervention.
During the visit, the committee highlighted the deteriorating state of the facilities and emphasized the urgent need to clear the overgrown vegetation surrounding the structures.
The traditional ruler was informed that proactive environmental maintenance and community vigilance would be critical in preventing the abandoned locations from becoming operational bases for criminal activities.
The Alaye Ode of Ode Remo was also briefed on the need for collective community action aimed at safeguarding lives and property within the area.
Consultation with Security Agencies
Recognizing the importance of collaboration with law enforcement authorities, the committee also visited the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Ode Remo Police Division to seek professional advice on addressing the situation.
The DPO acknowledged the concerns raised and stressed the importance of broader stakeholder engagement in tackling the issue.
He advised the committee to extend consultations to the Divisional Police Officer of the Ipara Division and the leadership of the Ipara Youth Association, noting that a coordinated effort involving neighboring communities, youth organizations, and security agencies would be essential in developing sustainable solutions.
According to the DPO, security challenges associated with abandoned public facilities can only be effectively addressed through cooperation among all relevant stakeholders.
At the conclusion of its assessment, the committee highlighted several critical observations:
The abandoned police posts are currently in a state of neglect and disrepair. Thick bushes and overgrown vegetation have taken over significant portions of the premises.
The locations possess characteristics that could facilitate criminal concealment and operations.
There is an urgent need for environmental sanitation and increased community vigilance around the affected sites.
Security risks can be significantly reduced through stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organizations, property owners, and security agencies.
To address the identified threats, the committee recommended a series of preventive and corrective measures.
Foremost among these is the need for all landowners within Ode Remo and surrounding communities to undertake regular clearing of bushes and overgrown vegetation on their lands and undeveloped properties.
The committee further recommended that environmental maintenance exercises be carried out at least twice yearly or more frequently where necessary, in order to eliminate potential criminal hideouts.
Other recommendations include intensified public sensitization campaigns on the dangers posed by abandoned and overgrown properties, increased security patrols around isolated structures, and stronger enforcement measures against property owners who fail to maintain their premises after adequate notice.
The committee also urged ORYA to continue discussions with the Ipara Police Division, the Ipara Youth Association, and other relevant stakeholders to establish a sustainable security framework for the affected areas.
The committee emphasized that safeguarding communities is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of residents, traditional institutions, government agencies, security operatives, and youth organizations.
It warned that failure to address the condition of the abandoned facilities could create opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the locations, thereby undermining ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security within the region.
The report concluded by calling for swift implementation of its recommendations, expressing confidence that decisive action would significantly strengthen community security and contribute to the protection of lives and property across Ode Remo, Saapade, and neighboring settlements.
The Ode Remo Youth Association reaffirmed its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders in promoting a safer, cleaner, and more secure environment for residents of the community.
