BENIN CITY – The Edo State Police Command has beefed up security for a peaceful celebration of Christmas and New Year festivities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State Mr Haliru Gwandu stated this at a press briefing in Benin City, recently.
Mr Gwandu warned criminal elements and their collaborators to relocate from Edo State as the security measures presently in place would not spear any person or group of persons caught engaging in crime and criminality.
He revealed that in addition to conventional policemen on patrol and routine stop-and-search operations, plainclothes officers have also been deployed to strategic locations and black spot for intelligence gathering and possible arrest of suspects.
The police chief however advised residents to celebrate within the armpit of the law as the season is not a period of impunity and recklessness.
He stated that the traffic department of the state police command in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies have also stepped up efforts towards ensuring free flow of traffic during and after the festivities.
Our reporter observed that vehicular patrol and stop-and-search operations have increased in the state as police visibility now noticeable within Benin City metro.
It was further observed that most police officers who hitherto stayed in some police divisions attending to petty issues have been posted to areas that demand more police presence in the state.
Meanwhile, the command has reminded the general public that the ban on the sale and use of fireworks popularly called knockout is still in force.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State Mr Haliru Gwandu stated this in a statement made available to WEEKEND OBSERVER in Benin City, yesterday.
He advised the general public, parents, guardians, children, traders, workers and others against indulging in the use and sale of fireworks before, during and after the Christmas and New Year as hoodlums may take advantage of this unwholesome practice to perpetrate their nefarious acts.
“There will be continuous manhunt for both buyers and sellers of any form of fireworks in the State by operatives of the command and all defaulters will be arrested and charged to court”. The statement added.
It however expressed the command commitment and steadfastness in its efforts at reducing crime and criminality in the state.
