The monarch stated that community policing, with its emphasis on local involvement, will help enhance intelligence gathering, deter criminal activities, and ensure the safety of Nigerians.
The monarch made the call in a statement on Thursday, following recent attacks by gunmen on two monarchs in Ekiti State.
The monarch described the incident “as a sacrilegious audacity deliberately planned and executed to undermine the security capacity of Nigeria.”
“I urge the federal and state governments to expedite action on establishing community policing to stem the tide of insecurity across the country,” he said.
Oba Odutala further enjoined royal fathers in the South West to brace up to defend themselves, adding that “if the government failed to protect them, the traditional rulers owe their communities the duty of protecting their domains.
“Traditional rulers should be ready to defend themselves and their communities, their subjects from external aggression.”
He, however, called on President Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji to conduct thorough investigations into the killings and ensure that the perpetrators face the full wrath of the law.
He said the recent spate of killings and kidnappings of traditional rulers and school children across the country highlights the urgent need for a robust, community-oriented security system.
On Thursday night, Gunmen invaded Koro town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing the traditional ruler, Oba Segun Aremu-Cole.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the palace of the monarch around 7 pm, and fired gunshots which hit the traditional ruler.
The wife of the monarch was also abducted by the assailants.
