… IGP deploys special team to restore sanity in communities
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The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the government is in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to tackle land grabbing and resolve communal clashes and land disputes in the state.
Obaseki disclosed this when he received the new Edo Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro. The newly deployed CP takes over from Philip Ogbadu who retired from the force after 35 years of service.
The governor during the visit, along with the CP, decorated 10 newly promoted police officers.
Obaseki said as a result of the increased collaboration with the NPF, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has deployed a special tactical team to complement the government’s efforts at restoring peace and sanity across Edo communities.
The governor who described the issue of land grabbing in various communities in the state as worrisome, said the IGP will deploy special squads to assist in restoring sanity to communities across the state.
He said, “I thank the IGP for deploying two police special squads to Edo State. We would soon inspect their accommodation as they will be deployed to the state in the next few weeks. This squad will deal with community issues and issues of land grabbing. We need your support and that of the area command. I have spoken with the AIG who assured us that all land cases that come to the area command will be referred to the Edo Command.
“We are dealing with the issue of land grabbing squarely as it is impeding development in Edo State. We have a land committee in place, which is currently reviewing cases before it. We are making resources available to fight this menace in the state.”
Obaseki, who urged the new CP to develop a mechanism to forestall electoral violence during the forthcoming Presidential elections, added, “As we prepare for another set of elections, we want to work with you to design a system that will not allow electoral violence in Edo State.
“We want to tackle electoral violence. We must have a peaceful election; both pre and post-electioneering activities must be peaceful in Edo State. Election is not war and we don’t see reasons why people take up arms during this process.”
He continued: “I have been told that you have been putting in place an action programme to mop up those causing trouble for us, especially at the Ovia axis in the state.
“The key to our security success in the state is hinged on the synergy and collaboration among security agencies in the state and the police is the apex. Once we have a very cooperative and open CP who is ready to work with other sister agencies in the state, it will help tackle the security challenges.
“We will continue to invest in the security system and security architecture, and also support you in terms of logistics, equipment and operations.”
Earlier, Yaro noted, “I am here to thank you for the top-notch security architecture on the ground which I have noticed with satisfaction and ready to key in to advance the cause of stability and security in Edo State.”
The Edo CP also thanked the governor for his relentless support to security agencies in the state, pledging to work with the government to sustain peace and security.