Concern Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum Paid Courtesy Visit Ekpoma Police Area Commender
… sue for continuous partnership with the NPF in fight against crime
The Executives and members of Concern Ekpoma Eminent Stakeholders Forum on Thursday 30th of September paid a courtesy visit to the Ekpoma Area Commander, in his office.
The Convener, Dr. Jude Obasanmi who led the team said the visit was necessary to further cement the relationship between the Command and the group.
Dr Jude Obasanmi while introducing the Forum to the Commander, stated that the Forum has been in existence since 2017 and it is registered with the relevant government agency as a Community Based Organisation.
The Forum has served as the advocate for the community in many areas. According to him, the Forum has intervened in the areas affecting BEDC estimated billings and epileptic power supply at a time, the challenges of roads both state and Federal, security and fostering communal relationships etc. On the issue of security challenges in Ekpoma, the Convener informed the Area Commander about the influx of boys into Ekpoma from the northern part of Nigeria without profiling, the rate of armed robbery via some bike riders, collection of illicit monies by some security operatives, the menace of drug abuse by our youths etc.
He appealed to the Commander to write his name in gold through the stamping out of all forms of security challenges in our locality so that inhabitants can sleep with their two eyes closed.
While responding, the Area Commander, Mr. N. Tissing, expressed his deep appreciation to the Forum for the courtesy call. According to him, he was overwhelmed with joy to note that there is a well organized Forum like ours in Ekpoma fighting for the welfare of the people.
He also appreciated the Forum for the achievements recorded thus far. He was pleased to hear that the Forum played a key role in providing logistics especially the vehicles donated by former HOR member Rt. Hon. Joe Edionwele and the Managing Director, Big Taste Fast Foods Worldwide.
He appealed to the Forum to continue to partner with the Police especially through community policing which according to him was already operational in Ekpoma. Speaking further, he stated that since his arrival in Ekpoma in June 2023, the command has not recorded any kidnapping case as all the DPOs under his jurisdiction often leads their officers into the bush where it is suspected to be harbouring criminals and they do this three times a week and pictorial evidences from such raids are often reported on the Command’s WhatsApp page.
Though according to him, he cannot vouch for the character of his entire team, however, majority of his team members are doing their best to secure Ekpoma and its environs. He added that the Edo State Security Network is what it’s recognized by the Edo State government and all vigilantes are directed to key into it. He reiterated that Vigilantes are not supposed to operate without the Police and in fact, the DPOs are the coordinator of the Vigilantes. They do not have the right to stay on the road collecting monies from passersby and bike riders. He added that he has warned them several times and also dispersed them from the mounted road block. On the Anti-Cult issue, he informed the Forum that he has interfaced with the body and advised them to always operate with the Police and within the confines of the law.
He lamented the level of drug abuse by our youths and blamed it on lack of parental control. He however informed the Forum that he has directed the DPOs to liaise with the NDLEA to have the hideout of all these drug sellers within Ekpoma and its environs raided. Once these youths do not have these drugs to buy, they will desist from using them. He also lamented the lack of respect exhibited by some of our youths especially those that lack parental control and promised to tackle it.
Lastly, he stated that the Police is not perfect but with the collaboration of the Forum, they can do better. He promised to take action promptly when he is informed of any excesses of his men and any criminal act.
Source: Dcn. Comr. L.l. Isiraojie
Secretary,
