INSECURITY: Ebonyi LGA Adopts Community Policing To End Kidnapping
The Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State yesterday adopted community policing to bring to an end the security challenges especially kidnapping in the local government area.
The Chairman of the local government, Hon Uchenna Ibiam who made the disclosure after an enlarged Security meeting at the local government headquarters noted that the measure will be achieved through intelligence gathering methodology.
Hon Ibiam noted that the unanimous decision was taken in response to the recent kidnapping incident that took place in Afikpo on the new year day.
It would be recalled that an American based Afikpo lady unfortunately lost her life while 2 others were kidnapped and later released after paying a ransom of N50million.
The security meeting was attended by Security Chiefs, Traditional Rulers, Community Leaders, Town Union Presidents, Youth Presidents, Women groups, Executives of Okada Union, Political Leaders and other Stakeholders.
Hon Ibiam expressed displeasure and regret that some youths could connive with outsiders to cause mayhem in their own town and called on the critical stakeholders to join hands with Government to forestall future occurrence of such dastardly act.
He noted that law and order, peace and security are best maintained by proactive means, which will be the primary security approach of the community policing network.
Hon. Ibiam stated that some of the criminals who were involved in the kidnapping infamy had been arrested and commended Security Agencies for their gallantry and being proactive in arresting some of the perpetrators.
The Council Boss urged the youths to totally desist from crimes and criminal activities but rather channel their energies and skills towards productive ventures.
“It is pertinent to note that Community Policing is the best approach to countering security threats. I want to use this opportunity to direct our Community Leaders to immediately draw up 20 names of youths of impeccable character who will be part of the Community Policing for immediate profiling.
In his reaction, the Police Area Commander, Afikpo, ACP James Ihiade commended the Council Chairman, for his proactive disposition on the issue of Security which is in line with The People’s Charter of Needs Agenda of Gov Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
He stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to secure the lives and properties of innocent residents of Afikpo Local Government Area.
He implored the people to report any suspicious person to security agencies.
