GDJ Partners with Kwara Police as CP Adekimi Ojo Declares War on Banditry

The Kwara State Police Command has partnered with the Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) in its fight against insecurity, with assurances that the Command is winning the war against banditry.

The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, made this known while receiving members of the Guild, led by its Chairman, Mr. Opeyemi Adeoti, during a courtesy visit to his office.

Expressing appreciation for the visit, the CP described journalists as critical partners in governance and security management. He urged practitioners to embrace balanced and factual reporting, while cautioning against sensationalism that could inflame public sentiment.

“It is the responsibility of journalists to verify and authenticate information before publishing. You are important to the government and to the Command because, without you, nobody would know the good work we are doing. With your support, we will defeat banditry and insecurity. Kwara shares forest borders with states like Zamfara, but we are determined to secure the state,” Ojo said.

Progress in Securing Kwara

The CP disclosed that significant progress has been made in addressing insecurity in Kwara South, with displaced residents already beginning to return to their communities.

He attributed the successes to the support of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who facilitated the deployment of 15 armored vehicles in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser.

On allegations linking traditional rulers to insecurity in the state, Ojo dismissed the claims, insisting that no monarch has been implicated or arrested. He also warned against the spread of fake news and misinformation.

Police Discipline and Community Policing

Addressing concerns about police misconduct, the CP emphasized that while the force contains both good and bad elements, discipline remains a priority.

He reminded citizens that searching phones without a warrant is a punishable offence that attracts a five-year jail term.

On high-profile cases, he provided updates on the Egbejila murder, clarifying that investigations revealed the victim was killed by her husband and not by her brother-in-law, as earlier speculated.

Ojo further disclosed that new police recruitment now prioritizes posting officers to their local government areas, describing it as a major step toward community-oriented policing.

GDJ’s Commitment to Ethical Journalism

In his remarks, GDJ Chairman, Mr. Opeyemi Adeoti, pledged the Guild’s support in combating crime and promoting accurate reportage. He praised the CP for his decades of service and his leadership in addressing security challenges in Kwara State.

Adeoti noted that while online journalism has become a dominant force in information dissemination, it has been infiltrated by untrained individuals.

“Online journalism has come to stay and is already rivaling mainstream media. However, it has been infiltrated by untrained practitioners. As professionals with backgrounds in mainstream journalism, we in GDJ see it as our duty to sanitize the digital space. We are here to partner with the Police Command and promise accurate reportage of your efforts in combating insecurity and banditry in Kwara State,” Adeoti stated.

Also speaking, the Guild’s Secretary explained that GDJ comprises experienced journalists with backgrounds in established media houses before venturing into online platforms. He emphasized the Guild’s motto as the forerunner of ethical journalism, stressing that members understand the power and responsibility of the digital space in the 21st century.

The courtesy visit ended with GDJ members reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Police Command through responsible reportage and constructive partnership.