Victor Olaiya, commissioner of police, CP, Kwara State, has confirmed reduction of abduction cases in Kwara, explaining that the outcome was as result of sustained measures the command put in place since October last year.
“Back in October 2023, the police painstakingly going through leads and intelligence arrested over 50 suspects believed to have been involved in the spate of kidnapping over the years
“In February this year, we also picked another 60.
“The result is what you are seeing in the drastic reduction of abduction cases in the state,” the CP said.
Olaiya made this disclosure during an interactive session with newsmen at a news briefing with journalists in Ilorin on Thursday.
The Kwara police boss also used the opportunity to shed light on the sudden upsurge in cultism in the state.
The last few days in Ilorin, cult related violence ensued in the state resulting in the death and arrest of 46 suspects in Ilorin alone.
The commissioner said that the police command is working on the theory that the lynchpin in this crime wave are known offenders who were released on bail by courts.
“In October last year, about 15 cultist suspects were arrested arraigned and remanded in prison custody.
“But in February, the courts granted them bail.
“We are of the belief that this could have triggered the recent cult related activities in the state,” he said.
But the CP says the command is not relenting in its efforts.
According to him, strategic meetings have been held and stakeholders including the judiciary have been engaged on the matter.
“We are working as one and we will get results soon,” he said.
Olaiya added that credit for the success in crime fighting the state is not that of the police alone.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq for his unwavering support, and to the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, for his invaluable guidance in combating crime in Kwara State.
” I must also thank the Sister agencies the Vigilante Group of Nigeria Kwara State Chapter, Community Policing volunteers who have helped boost the peace and harmony Kwara State enjoys,” the CP said.
