Vigilante operatives in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA have been assured of untainted synergy with the police and other agencies in the campaign to sanitize the area of crimes and criminalities.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, Superintendent of Police (SP) Cosmos Anyanwu gave the assurance in his maiden meeting with the lmo Community Watch (ICW) Community Co-ordinators in the area.
He reminded them that they are the foot soldiers of their communities and enjoined them not to be partisan and selfish in their operations, or official conducts.
The DPO, Mr Cosmas Anyanwu warmed against malice and using their position to settle scores or intimidate perceived enemies just as he cautioned them not to compromise and connive with criminals.
Superintendent Anyanwu, who expressed in very strong terms his despise for deceit and falsehood, harped on the importance of timely tip-off on vital information and intelligence sharing and implored them to spread their dragnets, so as to fish and flush out all undesirable elements from their hide outs.
He urged those operating in border communities to extend their tentacles and be on their toes always to deter criminal infiltrations and boost crime check and control.
The DPO who regretted that the sale and consumption of hard drugs – Cannabis, Indian Hemp, Herione, Cocaine, etc. have contributed immensely to gangsterism and violent crimes in the area, described cultism as breeding ground for criminals, hence he called all hands on deck to nip the menace on the bud.
He then hinted on plans to commence familiarization tour of communities in the area, reiterating his commitment to fight crime and criminalities headlong.
In furtherance of his admonition to the vigilante group and other law enforcement agents, Anyanwu condemned the converting of criminal exhibits, torturing or killing of suspects, which he described, as taking laws into one’s own hands and jungle justice that are crud and despicable.
Responding, the LGA ICW Commander, Mr. Malachy Aguwa lauded the DPO for his humility and dynamism, assuring that they would work in tandem to reduce crimes to the barest minimum.
The ICW Co-ordinator for Okrika-Nweke, Mr. Erasmus Eleka lamented the unwillingness of communities to assist the outfit serve them better and prayed the DPO to sensitize them on security consciousness in his familiarization tour round the locality.
Co-ordinators for Ogbor Ihitteafoukwu – Mr. Chidi Egbukwu, Aguneze Ahiara – Mr. Chika Umeyor and Mpam – Mr. Joseph Osuji called for motivation from communities and police alike, underscoring the essence for seamless co-operation to ebb out crime.
Obodo Ahiara Co-ordinator, Mr. Jude Umeoha harped on quick response to distress calls from the police to buttress their efforts and the need to protect informants identities.
In a vote of thanks, the Co-ordinator of ICW in Otulu Ahiara, Mr. Linus Ekeh appreciated the DPO for the meeting and advocated for regular security forum to enhance intelligent gathering and information sharing techniques.
