By Daud Olatunji

ABEOKUTA—REPRIEVE has come to the people of Ijebu-Ode and its environs in Ijebu-Ode Local Council of Ogun State as banks have re-opened after a month of closure over robbery attacks.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the reopening was done following the Commissioner of Police, Valentine Ntomchukwu’s assurance of adequate security of lives and property to the banks and residents.

The PPRO said the Police boss made the assurance while briefing his management team on his successful visit to Ijebu Ode on Friday.

Adejobi said the Police boss had a meeting with Bankers’ Forum and Police Community Relations Committee leaders on the security challenges and prolonged closure of banks in the area.

The bankers reportedly agreed to reopen for business after the Police Commissioner released a brand new Armoured Personnel Carrier and two Nissan Hilux vans for operational activities of the police in Ijebu Ode.

According to Adejobi, the police commissioner, while appraising the security arrangement with his senior officers in his Eleweran office, yesterday, reiterated his commitment to smooth operations of the banks and other commercial activities in Ijebu Ode and its environs and Ogun State in general and that he will not accept or tolerate any security lapses from any police formation or officers in Ijebu Ode and Ogun State.

He commended the bankers forum for its understanding and support given to the police on the issue.

Ntomchukwu also appreciated members of the Police Community Relations Committee for their support and urged them to continue to assist the police in all areas particularly on intelligence gathering.

The command appealed to the general public to always contact the police in Ogun State on: 08081770416, 08081770419 and 08123822910, in case of any emergency or distress.