By Merit Newspaper Correspondent
IDIROKO, OGUN STATE — October 30, 2025
In a move to address growing public concerns over the proliferation of police checkpoints, alleged extortion, and the uncivil conduct of “camp boys” along the Owode–Idiroko road, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ipokia Local Government Council, has held separate meetings with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and the Area Commander of the Idiroko Police Command.
The meetings, which took place on Tuesday, October 27, and Wednesday, October 28, 2025, were led by the NLC Chairman, Comrade Ojuola Ayuba, alongside his executive members — Vice Chairman, Comrade Olaegbe Sikiru; Secretary, Comrade Godonu Emmanuel S.; Treasurer, Comrade Olajuwon Tajudeen; Ex-officio member, Comrade Kovobau Abiodun; and Assistant Secretary, Comrade Gafar Olubukunla.
Speaking during the discussions, Comrade Ayuba expressed deep concern over what he described as an “escalating menace” that has made life unbearable for motorists and commuters in the Ipokia border communities.
“The situation here is like sitting on a keg of gunpowder,” Ayuba warned. “Our people are being pushed to the wall by the multiple checkpoints, extortion, and the incivility of these so-called camp boys. When people get to the end of the road and can no longer move forward, the next thing is to turn back — and that is what we are trying to prevent.”
He added that the NLC decided to engage the police hierarchy through dialogue before considering mass action.
“Before any protest to liberate our people from this servitude, we must fulfill all righteousness — and that is why we are here to dialogue,” he stated.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the NLC leader demanded the immediate removal of “illegal camp boys” manning the checkpoints, arguing that their presence is unauthorized and untraceable within the police system.
“No identifiable service number or accountability mechanism can be linked to them,” he said. “This makes it clear that they have no legitimate role on our roads and should be removed without delay.”
The first meeting was chaired by CSP Adejuwon Ayodeji Ariyo, DPO of the Idiroko Division, accompanied by ASP Zannu Simeon and ASP Okunrobo I. Michael, while the second meeting with the Area Command was presided over by ACP Bokuye Oyegbemi, ASP Adelakun Emmanuel, and CSP Innocent Okoh.
In his response, CSP Adejuwon Ayodeji Ariyo commended the NLC for opting for dialogue rather than confrontation, describing it as “a mature and patriotic approach to dispute resolution.”
“I appreciate the Congress for bringing these issues to our attention through dialogue,” he said. “We will ensure that concerns about multiple checkpoints, the behavior of camp boys, and extortion are addressed without delay.”
Similarly, ACP Bokuye Oyegbemi, the Area Commander of the Idiroko Command, assured the NLC that measures were already underway to streamline operations and restore public confidence in the police.
“We have taken note of your concerns, and I have already directed the border patrol unit to reduce the number of checkpoints under my command,” Oyegbemi stated. “We are also committed to improving professionalism and ensuring that erring officers are disciplined.”
He urged the NLC executives and members of the public to maintain communication and report any officer found engaging in unprofessional conduct.
“We operate a feedback mechanism — report any misconduct, and we will act promptly. The police must remain an institution of service, not oppression,” he added.
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Delivering the vote of thanks, Comrade Godonu Emmanuel, the NLC Secretary, expressed gratitude to the police leadership for their openness to dialogue and responsiveness to public grievances.
“We sincerely appreciate the warm reception and assurances from both the DPO and Area Commander,” he said. “We urge all officers within the Idiroko and Ipokia axis to discharge their duties with professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights.”
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare of workers and residents within the Ipokia border communities while promoting peace and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
Embedded document below:
Summary Box:
Issue: Multiple police checkpoints, extortion, and uncivil behavior of “camp boys” along Owode–Idiroko road.
Stakeholders: NLC Ipokia LG executives, DPO CSP Adejuwon Ariyo, and Area Commander ACP Bokuye Oyegbemi.
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Outcome: Police pledged to reduce checkpoints and address public complaints through improved professionalism and feedback mechanisms.
