Security experts have cautioned parents to be security conscious and be wary of their family’s safety as they go about their daily lives.
They made the call at the 1st Olufemi Olukayode Oso Memorial Lecture themed, “Safety: Options For Self-Protection”, and organised in honour of Oso, a former Parents Teachers Association (PTA) Chairman and member of the Governing Council of MD School, Lagos.
The trio of a police chief, a road safety officer and an official of a private security agency spoke at the event widely attended by the MD School PTA members, friends and family of the late Mr Oso.
EduCeleb.com recalls that Oso was allegedly stabbed to death on 4th March, 2017 by three of his staff members after a brief misunderstanding. One of the three suspects is still at large.
In his lecture, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Oko-Oba Police Station in Ifako-Ijaiye, Enyinna Nwakudu noted that overt flamboyance and unrestrained display of wealth was capable of attracting criminals. Mr Nwakudu was represented by DCO Julius Oladeji at the event.
“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.
Nwakudu added that there was the need for individuals to always scrutinize visitors thoroughly as they may disguise to conceal their identities.
While stressing the need for communities to collaborate with the police for effective policing, Nwakudu identified the need to increase security personnel to be commensurate to the ever growing population of the citizenry.
“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 vital personal 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.”
On his part, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ifo Unit Command in Agbado area of Ogun State, 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.
Mr Ibitomi also called for penalties for those pasting advertisement and political posters on road signs and symbols.
Adding his voice to the discourse, the Managing Director of Fast Track Security Limited, Mr Demola Olakera called on parents who employ maids and other forms of workers to do thorough background checks before and after employing them. This is as he gave instances of where the indiscretions of parents endangered their lives and those of their children.
He suggested the routine checking of the employee’s phone and the identification of their relatives and actual place of residence as possible measures. He also urged parents to trust their guts when they feel something isn’t right for the safety of not only them, but also their children.
Earlier, the Executive Director of MD 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.
She also added that her school was wary of individual security of its members. It had therefore installed Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in addition to engaging capable security personnel to monitor all activities in the school’s vicinity.
The event also witness a segment for tributes in honour of Mr Oso by family and friends. Speakers described the late Oso as caring, simple, peaceful and endearing.
EduCeleb.com reports that the widow of the deceased, Mrs Oluyemisi Oso used to medium to appeal to security agencies to intensify efforts towards bringing the culprits of her husband’s death to justice.
