Ondo Police Calls on Youths to Reject Political Thuggery, Embrace Peace
By Olusegun HOSEA
The Ondo State Police Command has urged youths across the state to shun political thuggery, cultism, electoral violence and other criminal activities, stressing the need for responsible citizenship and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
The Command made the call as it joined the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Nigeria Police Force to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day with the United Nations theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”
As part of the activities marking the celebration, the Command said it would host the Youth Leadership and Security Initiatives from August 20 to 22, 2026, at the Ondo State Police Command headquarters.
According to the Command, the programme is designed to strengthen police-youth collaboration, promote civic responsibility and encourage young people to participate actively in crime prevention, conflict resolution and the development of safer communities.
Activities scheduled for the three-day programme include the official campaign launch at the State Police Headquarters, a walkathon, youth engagement sessions with selected youth groups and live radio programmes.
The Command said the engagements would provide opportunities for constructive dialogue, improve security awareness and deepen understanding between the Police and young people.
A major component of the celebration is the campaign, “My Future Is Greater Than Political Thuggery,” through which the Police are urging youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence during political activities.
The Command encouraged young people to channel their energy and creativity into education, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and community development rather than political violence and other criminal activities.
It also announced the promotion of the National Digital Responsibility Campaign with the message, “Think Before You Click, Verify Before You Share.”
The initiative is aimed at encouraging youths to verify information before sharing it and avoid fake news, hate speech, inflammatory content and other online activities capable of creating tension and threatening public peace.
The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Felix Ohagwu, urged youths to embrace dialogue instead of violence, respect the rule of law and partner with the Police in preventing crime and safeguarding public safety.
Ohagwu also called on parents, guardians, educational institutions, youth organisations, religious and traditional institutions, civil society groups and other stakeholders to support programmes that promote responsible citizenship, positive youth development and peaceful democratic participation.
The Command assured residents of its continued commitment to maintaining law and order while strengthening police-community relations through sustained engagement and community-oriented policing.
It called on young people in Ondo State to become ambassadors of peace, integrity and responsible citizenship, noting that despite differences in backgrounds, young Nigerians share common aspirations for a safer, stronger and greater country.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, on behalf of the Command.
