The Oluyole Local Government Council has expressed its frustration and concerns over what it described as a persistent lack of cooperation and support from most private firms operating within its jurisdiction.
This follows the deadly attack on Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin area of Ibadan on Saturday, January 17.
The council’s reaction comes on the heels of official confirmation by the Oyo State Police Command that gunmen had stormed the facility in a commando style operation, leading to the death of a police officer and the abduction of an Indian expatriate.
In a statement by the executive chairman of the council, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, and made available to newsmen on Sunday, January 18, he said the incident had once again exposed gaps in collaboration between host communities, local authorities and corporate organisations, particularly in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and security engagement.
According to the council boss, proactive engagement, information sharing and visible investment in community welfare and safety by private firms could help reduce risks and improve early response to security threats.
Confirming the incident on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the attack occurred at Aqua Triton Company, Ogunmakin, near Ibadan.
“There was an attack at Aqua Triton Company in Ogunmakin, near Ibadan, Oyo State, where yet to be identified gunmen stormed the facility in a commando-style operation,” Olayinka said.
He disclosed that one police officer was killed while repelling the attack, adding that some of the assailants sustained injuries during the exchange, while the company’s Indian expatriate principal was abducted.
The police spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, upon being informed of the incident, immediately ordered a robust response.
“Immediately informed, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to lead the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and other tactical teams to the scene,” Olayinka stated.
He added that a bush-combing operation was ongoing, alongside a full-scale investigation, with the aim of rescuing the abducted expatriate and arresting those responsible.
The Oluyole Local Government, while commending the police for the show of gallantry in the face of the security threat, also commiserate with the family of the slain officer.
He urged private firms to see themselves as stakeholders in the security and development of their host communities, noting that safety is a shared responsibility that thrives on cooperation rather than isolation.
The council boss further lamented what he described as a troubling pattern of indifference by some private businesses to security coordination efforts at the local level.
He disclosed that several expanded security council meetings convened by the local government, with participation from security agencies and community leaders, had recorded poor attendance from private firms despite repeated invitations.
According to Olatunji, some companies neither attended the meetings nor sent representatives, a development it said undermines collective planning, early intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Olatunji stressed that it is unrealistic to expect government or the police alone to successfully address security challenges, particularly in areas hosting large industrial and commercial concerns.
He maintained that effective security can only be achieved when all stakeholders, including private businesses, traditional institutions, community members and security agencies, work together with a shared sense of responsibility.
Describing security as a collective task that demands vigilance and cooperation from all, Olatunji called for a renewed commitment by private firms to engage constructively with local authorities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s unflinching commitment in line with the vision and support of the Governor Seyi Makinde led government to remain aligned with security agencies in ensuring security of lives and properties of all residents of the council.