The Lagos State Government is decisively tackling escalating crime rate in the state.

According to Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, statistics as of March 2022, revealed that public concern about crime stood at 66.04 per cent, adding government had been addressing them.

Hamzat, spoke at this years Edition of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) Annual Lecture and Awards, 2022, held at Ikeja, Lagos State.

His words: “As Nigerians prepare for political activities to kick start campaigns for various electoral offices in the 2023 General Elections, that are being contested by multiple political parties, there is a tendency for pocket of violence and intolerance to erupt.

However, as stakeholders in the political growth and economic prosperity of Nigeria, we have to collectively ensure that the process is not hijacked by unscrupulous elements. Statistics as of March 2022 reveal that public concern about crime stood at 66.04 Percent.”

Revealing measures taken by government to check escalating crimes, Hamzat, added: “The general concern revolves around mugging, carjacking, one-chance and more recently abductions or kidnapping for ransom. I am happy to note that our security architecture is structured to provide adequate and dynamic responses to all security threats, particularly in Lagos.”

Hamzat stated that the provision of security was a function of the government that was fundamentally guaranteed by the Constitution, adding, “It also provides for citizens, individuals or corporate, to support security agencies with relevant and timely information to curb illegal or criminal activities from disrupting public serenity that could mar socioeconomic activities for the benefit of the general populace.”
Hamzat while applauding CRAN for the theme of the day, Insecurity: Tackling The Dark Cloud Over Nigeria’s Prosperity Ahead Of The 2023 General Elections, said that progress and growth can only be guaranteed in a society governed by the rule of law, a society where the fundamental rights of individuals to hold an opinion and associate with people of shared values are not frowned upon.

He spoke through a Director in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lagos State, Kayode Oyekanmi.