Edo police boss raises the alarm over arms build-up

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Foluso Adebanjo, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to politicians, thugs, cult members and supporters of various political parties to surrender all illegal arms in their possession or face the wrath of the law.

Adebanjo, who raised the alarm over massive build-up of arms and ammunition by some unscrupulous politicians, thugs, cult groups and other undesirable elements to cause mayhem ahead of 2015 general elections, said the possession of illegal arms was unauthorised.
This was as the command yesterday paraded 76 suspects arrested for various crimes including robbery, rape, defilement, kidnapping, fraud, production of adulterated spirits, car theft, manufacture and possession of illegal firearms, cultism and violent activities in parts of the state.
The commissioner said that a special squad had been set up to arrest those in possession of illegally-acquired arms and ammunition. He said: “Unconfirmed intelligence at our disposal indicates massive build-up of arms and ammunition by some politicians, hired thugs, violent cult groups and other undesirable individuals to cause mayhem if they do not win the primaries.
“The possession of illegal weapons is unauthorised. Everyone in the state, irrespective of their status, must surrender to the office of the commissioner of police within a period of 14 days all illegally-acquired weapons in their possession. “Failure to adhere to this ultimatum will spell danger for anyone arrested with such illegal weapons.
“The anti-robbery and other special squads have been directed to identify, raid, and confiscate such illegal weapons and prosecute offenders in competent law courts.” Adebanjo expressed the resolve of the police to protect lives and property of Edo citizens before, during and after next year’s polls.
The commissioner urged the public to provide the police with useful information that may lead to arrest of suspected hoodlums from their hideouts.
The police chief promised that reward would be given for any vital information volunteered by anybody towards the recovery of arms and ammunition in the hands of suspects.
He said: “Insecurity is a threat not only to the fastapproaching elections, but to the security and wellbeing of the citizens as well as business activities in the state. It is my duty and responsibility to tackle it squarely with the active support and participation of other security agencies and the good people of Edo state. “Together we must ensure peace and security in the state and that the 2015 elections are violent-free.”http://newtelegraphonline.com/edo-police-boss-raises-the-alarm-over-arms-build-up/