The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, Hope Urunwa Okafor, has intensified efforts to strengthen security across the state by seeking the collaboration of traditional rulers and community leaders as political activities gather momentum ahead of the next election.
The Police Commissioner made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ezeogo Charles Mkpuma,, at his palace in Ezzama Community, Ezza South Local Government Area on Thursday.
The visit formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s community policing initiative aimed at deepening partnerships with grassroots stakeholders.
Speaking during the visit, Okafor said the Command was committed to sustaining peace and security across Ebonyi through stronger collaboration with the traditional institution.
She urged royal fathers to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information to improve intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations.
“My mission is to strengthen collaboration with the traditional institution in our collective effort to sustain peace and security across Ebonyi State. We need your continued support with credible and timely information that will enhance intelligence gathering and aid law enforcement operations,” the Commissioner said.
The Police Commissioner also called on traditional rulers to caution their subjects against violence and other unlawful activities as political campaigns commence, stressing that peaceful conduct by all citizens remains crucial to a successful electoral process.
Responding, the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ezeogo Charles Mkpuma, commended the Commissioner for the Command’s prompt response to security issues and assured her of the unwavering support of the traditional institution.
“The traditional rulers will continue to provide useful information to the Police and intensify efforts to educate our subjects on the need to shun violence and uphold peace,” the royal father pledged.
The Commissioner later met with community leaders at the Ezza South Divisional Headquarters, Onueke, where she reaffirmed the Command’s determination to protect lives and property. She described the Police as partners of the people and urged residents to volunteer credible information that would help security agencies prevent crime.
She also appealed to parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards to prevent them from being drawn into drug abuse, cultism or other violent acts during the election period.
Speaking on behalf of the community leaders, the President-General of Nsokara Community, Mr. Ikechukwu Nwafor, requested direct access to the Commissioner to facilitate prompt communication on security matters. He also expressed appreciation for the operational vehicle recently provided to the Ezza South Division, saying the intervention would significantly enhance policing and improve security within the area.
