Police, residents brainstorm on ridding community of cultism, criminals

Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Aba

The Abia State Police Command and some members of Aba communities, have started brainstorming on how to rid the society of cultism and other criminalities.

This was part of the discussion that dominated the town’s hall meeting, attended by senior police officers, traditional leaders and members of the communities.

The police told the people that the surest way of checking escalating crime in any society was through community policing and partnership.

The Town’s Hall Meeting was organised by the Uratta Police Division. It was held at the Heartland Holiday Resort Event Centre, Aba, Abia State.

The meeting was attended by over 100 residents. Also in attendance from police side, was the Area Commander in charge of Aba Command of the Nigeria Police, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Peter Okpara.

The organiser of the meeting, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Mr. Ezeibe Emeka, who is the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Uratta Police Division, said that residents and police met to talk frankly on how to have a better secured environment. 

He said: “Security is not one man's job; it is only when we come together like this, discuss and know ourselves that we can know how to police our environment better. Aba is a commercial city, but without peace and security, I don't think businesses will thrive here. This is exactly why we want peace and adequate security in this city. We need your support to make this city a better place for all.  Information is very important; it’s only through that we can change things. I believe the police is not afraid of doing its job, and we are partners. What we want is your help. We are not asking for too much, except your cooperation to serve you better. If you have any problem, please call us and we shall answer you."

One of the traditional rulers in attendance, Eze Gad, from Aba South, complained about poor responses to distress calls by the police. According to him, anytime the police were called, they would complain that their vehicles were faulty or that there was no fuel.

Representatives of the commercial transporters, spoke on police extortion and all sorts of maltreatment meted out on drivers by policemen.

A resident, Mr. John Ahaneku, spoke on the activities of cultists in the area. He urged traditional rulers, parents and landlords to stand up and help the police to curb the menace.

Ahaneku added: “We have been complaining about the police not functioning well and all that, but what about us? Are we doing well? Some us here, have children, who are members of the dreaded Aro-Cult, which has been terrorising this axis for long.  As parents, we must tell our children to desist from such evil. All the traditional rulers here, know the evil in their communities. This is just as all traders know the criminals among them. Some of these policemen here are strangers in Aba. We know our people better than anyone. We must help police to end such matters here. Every few years, one evil rises here. I don't think Abia State Government is doing enough on security.”

Another resident, Chief Marcel Nwaokoro, while thanking the police for the opportunity to rub minds together, urged residents to take advantage of the meeting and help in ensuring Aba was free of crime and criminals.

Nwaokoro said: "In the country as it stands now, those that are committing crime may be within five percent, but these five percent are disturbing 95 percent. When they start their trouble, everyone scampers for safety. But we can do something. In our streets, we must report what we see to the police, if not, we are not going to make headway. We shouldn’t fail to give police information just because we are angry with some of the few bad eggs in the police.”  

Responding to issues raised, the Police said they do not tolerate maltreatment of civilians by any officer. They urged members of the public to report such matters and see if such erring officer wouldn’t be punished.

The police stressed that their efforts were often been hindered by a lack of cooperation from members of the public, victims and even witnesses, who refused to give information.

Okpara said that the federal government, the Inspector General of Police and the state commissioner of police have decided to bring police closer to the people. He called on residents to see themselves as partners in the business of security. He urged them to embrace the much talked about Community Policing and help secure their areas.

He said: “Whatever you do, always work with your unions. Whenever you have problem with the police, report to these your union leaders. Whatever work you do, get registered and have an identity card for easy identification. Nobody will disturb you if you have proper identification. It's very important.  We shall work with your unions to maintain this rapport. Always report matters of police to your traditional rulers and your PCRC chairmen so that we can sanitize the system. We are brothers and human beings like you.

“The federal and state governments have always supported us, but your own cooperation is needed. The police cannot function well without your help.  We need your cooperation. You have our emergency numbers, you can call your DPO; you can call me, and you can also call our CP. Learn to police your environment. We can't be everywhere."

Responding to a question on policemen manhandling members of the public, Okpara gave numbers where such incidents could be reported for proper redress.

Okpara added: “You can also report policemen when they're misbehaving. No policeman is above the law. Report such matters and we shall handle it. Learn to stand on your right. Report these erring officers to their superiors and see what will happen. Without you, there'll be no area commander. Report this bad behaviours; don't keep mute. Police didn't ask the officers to intimidate anybody. Don't see us as demigod. We’re human beings like you. The only difference is our uniforms.

“Report our men anytime they misbehave. We don't tolerate irresponsibility. Without your taxes, there will be no uniform and salaries for us. I'm police today because of you. We didn't send anyone to intimidate you. Report whenever you see our men doing anything wrong. Anytime my men misbehave just call us. You can report to your traditional rulers and they'll us reach us.”

The Transition Committee Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Barrister Charles Esonu, said that it was only when the police synergized with the public that crime could be tackled.

Esonu urged people to realise that they are the Chief Security Officers of their environment, and to always report every suspicious movement to the police.

He further said: “Local Policing is all about the people. If you don't interact with the people, things will not go well. The DPO has set a standard today by organising this meeting. You are the Chief Security of your family and your humble self.  The police don't know what is happening in your house until you report. You have the responsibility to know what goes on around you. Ask questions and report what you don't understand because you're more vulnerable when criminals strike. Help police to maintain a safe and secured environment. For those involved in any kind of crime, I urge you to remove yourself from such crimes and embrace good behaviour, if not, you'll face the wrath of the law.”