We need stronger collaboration between police and media to address insecurity – Oyo CP Olugbenga

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has called for greater collaboration between the police and the media in the fight against insecurity.

CP Olugbenga made the appeal on Wednesday when executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel, Oyo State Council, paid him a courtesy visit at the Oyo State Police Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan

He argued that effective policing requires the active support of journalists and the public, hence the need for synergy to make everything work together for the good of society.

The police commissioner warned against the practice of speculative reporting, saying that “the rise of social media has fueled the spread of unverified information and that “what we need is permanent investigative journalism”.

CP Olugbenga described security as a shared responsibility and said the police and media must work in synergy to promote public safety and combat disinformation capable of compromising security operations.

“We exist because of the society we are part of. Both the police and the press have responsibilities towards the public,” he said.

CP Olugbenga added: “There is a need for synergy to make everything work together for the good of society.

“There is no room for speculative journalism. What we need is permanent investigative journalism. Today anyone can make up a story without substantiating it due to the pressure of social media.”

Cautioning against publishing unverified reports simply to attract public attention, he urged journalists to uphold the ethics of accuracy, fairness and professionalism.

The President of the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Yinka Adeniran, while speaking commended CP Olugbenga for his proactive and people-oriented policing, adding that the rapid dissemination of information by the command has strengthened the relationship between the security agencies and the media.

The Correspondents Chapel president expressed confidence in the command’s efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire, urging the police not to be deterred by public anxiety over the incident.

Stressing the need to intensify efforts to combat fake news and disinformation on security issues, Comrade Adeniran said fake news often increases public tension and undermines ongoing operations.

He then called for regular engagement and joint training programs between journalists and police to improve communication and strengthen collaboration in tackling security challenges.

The NUJ delegation to the Oyo State Police Command included Chapel Secretary Rotimi Agboluaje; Assistant Secretary Kazeem Awojoodu Treasurer Shehu Sulaimon; and Auditor, Abiola Olowe.