The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim D. Zungura, has identified political thuggery, disputes over motor park management and cultism as major security challenges he inherited upon assuming office.
Zungura disclosed this on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel to the State Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo.
The visit, led by the Chapel’s Chairman, Mr. Isa Isawade, was part of the Chapel’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration between online media practitioners and government institutions in the state.
Speaking during the interactive session, the police commissioner explained that the security challenges required immediate attention, particularly political violence and disagreements over the control of motor parks.
He recalled that his first day in office coincided with killings in Ikire, prompting him to take immediate steps to address the situation through efforts to curb political thuggery and arrest suspected perpetrators.
On motor park disputes, Zungura expressed concern over disagreements involving local government chairmen and other stakeholders over the management of motor parks, noting that financial interests and political differences could fuel violence.
He warned that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or public office, was above the law, adding that local government chairmen and other persons found to be involved in unlawful activities or the promotion of violence would face appropriate legal action.
The commissioner also identified cultism as another major security concern, explaining that the police had intensified efforts to identify flashpoints and apprehend suspected cultists.
According to him, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to identify areas prone to cult-related activities and take necessary action to prevent further security breaches.
He said the measures had resulted in several arrests and contributed to relative peace in parts of the state.
Zungura further emphasised the importance of community policing, directing police commanders and DPOs to engage residents and relevant stakeholders in their respective areas to identify security concerns and strengthen public cooperation with the police.
He urged journalists to provide accurate, balanced and responsible information, stressing that the media could either contribute to peace or worsen existing tensions through the dissemination of unverified reports.
The commissioner noted that the media’s influence cuts across different segments of society, making responsible journalism essential to maintaining public confidence and promoting national unity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel, Isawade, said the Chapel was established by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), under the Osun State Council, to promote professionalism and address the growing challenge of misinformation in the online media space.
He expressed concern over the activities of unprofessional individuals who allegedly pose as journalists to spread false information, engage in blackmail and extort unsuspecting members of the public.
Isawade noted that the widespread use of smartphones and social media platforms had made it easier for people to publish information without proper verification, while the emergence of artificial intelligence had further increased the risk of manipulated audio and video content.
He explained that the Chapel was established to provide structure for online journalism, register online media correspondents and publishers, promote fact-checking and create a recognised platform for engagement between legitimate online journalists and public institutions.
The chairman also called for stronger collaboration between the police and the media, noting that both institutions had important roles to play in protecting the public, preventing crime and promoting peace.
He commended Zungura for his efforts since assuming office and urged him to sustain his commitment to addressing security challenges across the state.
During the meeting, the Chapel also raised concerns over alleged police extortion of motorists along the outskirts of Osogbo and intercity routes, urging the commissioner to investigate the complaints and take appropriate action against officers found culpable.
In his professional background, Zungura has served in various capacities, particularly in Lagos State, where he spent nearly two decades in policing, including service in the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
He also attended professional training programmes in Nigeria and abroad and holds a master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
The meeting ended with an interactive session during which journalists and other participants discussed security concerns affecting their communities and explored ways to strengthen cooperation between the police and the media.
The courtesy visit formed part of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel’s broader engagement with public institutions and security agencies to promote responsible journalism, improve information sharing and support efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.
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Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for professionalism, creativity, and consistency in journalism. His expertise spans news reporting, media coverage, digital content creation, and strategic public communication, positioning him as a respected and influential voice in the media landscape.
Driven by a dedication to informing, educating, and connecting audiences, Adewale continues to contribute meaningfully to the growth of journalism and digital media in Nigeria.
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