In a bid to ensure a safe environment, Nigerians should shun vulgar display of wealth and showy parties, a police chief and an official of a para-military agency, said in Lagos on Friday.
Mr Enyinna Nwakudu, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oko-Oba station in Agege, said such flamboyance and unrestrained display of wealth were capable of attracting criminals.
He spoke at the 1st Olufemi Oso Memorial lecture entitled , “Safety: Options For Self-Protection”, organised in honour of Oso, a former Parent-Teacher Association Chairman and a member of the Governing Council of M.D. Secondary School in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oso was allegedly stabbed to death while on duty on March 4, 2017 by three of his staff members.
According to DSP Nwakudu, members of the public must display a simple and responsible lifestyle as it will help to keep off criminally-minded persons.
“Social activities should be done moderately without mindless display of wealth.
“Such lavish entertainment at parties will attract or invite criminals to the neighbourhood,” he said.
Giving further safety tips to members of the public, Nwakudu said there was the need for them to always scrutinize visitors thoroughly as they may disguise to conceal their identities.
While stressing the need for the communities to collaborate with the police for effective policing, Nwakudu noted that the ever growing population of the country required increased security personnel.
“In Nigeria, it is estimated that one policeman is to 494 citizens. With about 370,000 policemen to about 170 million Nigerians, one can conclude that this is grossly insufficient for effective policing of the entire nation.
“Therefore, it becomes the collective responsibility of all to be conscious of our environment.
“As regards the country’s security situation, we have no place to run to. This is our country and together we must join hands to make things right,” he said, urging watchfulness and vigilance on the part of residents.
Nwakudu also cautioned the people against sharing information carelessly and unknowingly about their families with non-family members.
“Some visitors can disguise as security personnel either as soldiers, policemen or electricity company officials.”
Also speaking, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ifo Unit Command in Agbado in Ogun, Mr Joshua Ibitomi, noted that safety option for self-protection and security should be embraced by individuals, stakeholders, and the government.
He urged government at all levels to provide good and safe roads to reduce crashes caused by dilapidated roads and in some cases, poor maintenance of vehicles.
Ibitomi called for penalties for those pasting advertisement and political posters on road signs and symbols.
“Relevant government agencies must ensure that quality tyres were imported into the country and also enforce ban on substandard tyres.”
Earlier, the Executive Director/Proprietress of the school, Mrs Omolara Adedugbe, called on governments at all levels to step up efforts in protecting of lives and property.
“It is no longer news that we are under-policed in this country and this has remained a major challenge to the citizens.
“We must strive to be our brothers’ keeper always as this is the only way we can make progress as a nation,” she said.
Mrs Oluyemusi Oso, the widow of the PTA chairman, appealed to the security agencies to intensify efforts in bringing the culprits to justice. (NAN)
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