From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP, Nnaghe Obono Itam has commissioned a patrol vehicle donated to 3-3 police division by the 3-3 community, near Onitsha, to assist in curtailing the spate of insecurity in the area.
Speaking shortly after the commissioning, the CP, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations Department, James Ihiebe, commended the chairman of Works Committee, AllEstates within 3-3 police division, Jonathan U. Egonu, a lawyer, his executive members and residents for the donation of the vehicle assuring that it will yield dividends.
“You have done much, police are not magicians and not rich to provide enough you need. So whatever you do is for you. We will always be at your service. Your donation of the patrol vehicle is an investment that you will reap.
“You have shown a legacy in Anambra and I urge the police to judiciously make use of the vehicle for the community did well by providing the vehicle, it is worthy of emulation,” he stated.
On the alleged assault on residents by police Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, that has been accused of terrorizing the residents by carrying out illegal operations that include, scaling residential perimeter fences, breaking and entering at odd hours without notifying the 3-3 Police division prior to storming the area, the CP frowned at the allegation.
He warned that henceforth any SPACS member caught in such action would be dealt with accordingly stating that there is no way policeman will behave like a criminal by scaling the fence instead of going through the gate into residential buildings.
Also on demand by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mr. Emeka O. Obi, (CSP), and the community for more police personnel to beef up security, the CP reminded them that there in not enough personnel for now disclosing that it is the reason the police synergize with the vigilante operatives.
Earlier in his address, the chairman, Egonu, disclosed that the idea for procurement of the vehicle was initiated by the combined efforts of the estates under the said police Division and attributed it to what unity and a shared vision can achieve.
He paid glowing tribute to the CP, immediate past DPO, CSP Chukwunonso A. Onunkwo for their leadership role and urged the new DPO, CSP Obi, to consolidate all they have done towards moving the community forward.
The Onowu of Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Chief Willie Okafor, had while breaking the cola nut, commended the people for procuring the vehicle adding that it was aimed at curbing the increased crime wave in the area.
Chief Okonkwo E. Angus, chairman Federal Housing estate, stated that the vehicle was a product of their sleepless nights to make sure it comes to success.
Chinazor Ezeayom, (a.k.a. Ikemba), chairman, Valley View Estate, disclosed that the purpose of the vehicle donation was for security and to assist police in combating crime disclosing that crime wave is in the increase in the area.
Chief Echidime Ihejimba, chairman Upper Hill view Estate, recalled that former vehicle donated was destroyed during EndSARS protest which prompted the procurement of the present vehicle to curtail spate of crime as police will continue to talk of logistic problem.
The commander, Vigilante group 3-3, Mr. Ikechukwu Odigbo, stressed the need for patrol vehicle adding that he personally procured the one his group is using.
“If there is any problem or emergency, you can’t move fast and even if you trek, there would not be enough men. I will keep on begging for vehicle and I know buying vehicle will solve the problem. Since I bought one vehicle, we have achieved a lot.
“This Christmas festive period we are assuring the residents that we are ready to protect lives and property with their support. Information is very vital in this time of the year” he added.