…As Police Zone 2 arrests 8 suspected kidnappers, 135 others***

The Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo III on Thursday observed the need for Nigerians to embrace culture and tradition now, particularly for the promotion of the fight against insecurity.

He made his observation during the command performance of Senior Boyz Productions Limited held at the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, just as the Zone 2 Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Lawal Shehu, says no fewer than 143 persons, including eight suspected kidnappers, were arrested in Lagos and Ogun within the last three months.

The performance was part of the preparations by the group ahead of the Nigerian Cultural Festival holding in Denmark, France and Ireland later this year.

The Alake who was represented by Chief Akinwale Lanre Ilagbe said: “A knowledge of cultural values will help reduce insecurity to a large extent in the country.

“Our youths should be ready to embrace our culture and wear it like their outfits.”

Also, the convener of the group and organiser of the festival, Olugbenga Ogunniyi said that the festival would be geared toward the promotion of the African cultural values, noting the gesture would also enhance the creation of employment opportunities for many people.

He said that the festival being organised by  a group called : Senior Boyz Productions Limited would in hold Denmark, France and Ireland later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Zone 2 Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police, Lawal Shehu indicated on Thursday, that the Command has arrested, no fewer than 143 persons, including eight suspected kidnappers, within Lagos and Ogun, in the last three months.

Shehu told newsmen in Lagos that the command also foiled 134 armed robbery incidents and recovered eight vehicles and over 200 arms and ammunition within the period.

“We are hereby seizing this opportunity to pass our messages to all criminals within Lagos and Ogun states that we are all out for them and it is not going to be business as usual.

“They should leave the jurisdiction of the zone and relocate to where they can do it and go scot-free,” he said.

The AIG also warned policemen to shun bribery and corruption and avoid detaining suspects longer than necessary.

“On no account should officers detain any suspect because of bail money; any officer caught in this act will also be dealt.

“I would like to state that bail is free in all the police divisional offices and within the zone,” he said.

The AIG added that the “Operation Puff Ader”, recently launched in the zone was aimed at fighting any form of criminal activities there.