The new Commission, Lagos State Police Command, Sylvester Alabi, on Saturday promised to accord Caleb University, Imota in Ikorodu, Lagos State with adequate security required to operate under a serene and peaceful environment.
Alabi made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution, following his appointment as CP on January 24, 2022.
He said a police patrol team would be established along the highway in front of the university’s gate as demanded by the school authority.
The CP said this would prevent undesirable elements and criminals from carrying out any attack on the university.
He said that the presence of police operatives in any location would deter criminals from committing any havoc.
He said: “Ordinarily, police usually do not establish such points around universities to prevent students from being afraid or creating unnecessary panic.
“But now that Caleb management has asked for it, it will be done.”
According to Alabi, the conduct of Caleb University students shows a sign of good leadership and mentorship from the school authority, as the police force has not heard any report of vices from the students.
Alabi, however, said that the issue of trespasses into lands belonging to the university by land grabbers and “omo onile” is not peculiar to Caleb University but a major problem, which will be dealt with holistically.
“Trespassing is a criminal act and when someone commits a crime, he or she should be arrested and the law enforced to deter others from doing the same thing,” he said.
The CP reassured the university and its community of his continuous support, partnership and engagement.
He charged residents of the state to partner with the police by giving the necessary support and information that would enable policemen carry out their duties.
Alabi urged police officers to conduct themselves in accordance with the rule of law when dealing with civilians.
He said: “I am an advocate of human rights and would expect that civilians should be treated as human beings that they are.
“Respect other people’s rights, don’t humiliate or harass them.
“You are paid to protect and not harass them.”
Earlier in his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Caleb University, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie, congratulated the Commissioner for his well-deserved appointment and appreciated him for visiting the university.
Owens-Ibie lauded both the internal and external security system covering the school environment, under the control of the Chief Security Officer for ensuring safety of lives and property.
He requested for the CP’s assistance, advice and recommendation by virtue of his wealth of experience on security issues.
The VC appealed to the Commissioner to establish a permanent police patrol team, pin-down point in front of the university gate to discourage criminal attack.
“We appreciate the presence of patrol vehicles along Ikorodu-Agbowa Road on stop and search duties to minimise crime in the area,” he said.
According to him, the total number of students in the university as at January 26 is 4,266 and the management has been handling them without casualty.
Owens-Ibie noted that the institution, being the first private University in Lagos, is renowned as Africa’s best private university in entrepreneurship and leadership.
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