The Imo State Commissioner of Police (CP), Rabiu Hussaini, has called on community leaders in the state to help in efforts to combat insecurity and restore normalcy by forming vigilante groups.
The CP made this call during a meeting with the presidents-general of all communities in the state at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, on Tuesday.
He charged communities that do not have existing vigilante groups to form one and reinforce efforts to eradicate criminality in the state.
He said the police under his watch were ready to explore strategies that would help to rid the state of all forms of crimes.
The Imo police boss appealed to the community heads to help in sensitising their people, especially the youths, on the need to stay away from social vices and restiveness.
Assuring them of adequate police support and effective service delivery, Hussaini added that part of his commitment was to achieve functional relationship between the police and community stakeholders.
He also charged the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to work with community stakeholders to ensure effective policing and adequate security.
“I want you to help us sensitise your community members on the need to work with the police and other security agencies in our commitment to combat criminality in our respective localities and Imo at large.
“I also want you to help us talk to your youths through their leaders to refrain from activities that breach peace and harmony as well as to stop taking laws into their hands,” Hussaini said.
He expressed the police readiness to support the community leaders, while also counting on useful information and assistance from the people their bid to deliver on their duties for common good.
Some of the community leaders, who spoke to newsmen shortly after the meeting, including Sir Fab Okochi (Ogbor), Dr. Emma Mbanusi (Umualumoke), Chief Anthony Okeiyi (Amagbo-Ezinihitte), Amb. Jude Agbugba (Umuororonjo) and Daniel Ike (Okuku), assured the police of their total support.
