BY: Eben Enasco Kingsley, Benin City
The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in zone 5’ Mr Musa Daura has urged youths in Edo to be viable and reliable partners in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.
The AIG gave the charge while addressing youths at a one-day security summit held at Police Officers Mess, GRA, Benin City, yesterday.
He stated that youths are critical tools, pillars, mobilizers in nation building and societal development, hence the need for their partnership in crime fighting and control.
“Because of the enormous strength and positive virtues derivable from youths, they have the power to lead their fellow citizens into the right direction.
“Unfortunately, many youths today have become menace, propagating all heinous crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and rape”.
AIG Daura noted that crime is evil and it brings bad reputation to the perpetrators.
He called on the youths to partner with the police in safeguarding lives and property.
“Youths can partner with the police through the provision of useful information, safeguarding the vulnerable e.g. children, women and destitute from sexual molestation.
“Protecting social amenities and safeguarding critical infrastructures provided by the government in various communities.
He further explained that youths can also assist the police in the area of community vigilante and exposing criminals and their hideouts in various communities across Edo State.
In their various remarks, some youths representatives like Dauda Isa, Prince John Eweka, Emmanuel Ojo, Godwin Ighodaro, Comrade M.C Ose lauded the initiative of the interactive meeting.
The appealed to the AIG to take the safety and security of youths giving them information seriously by ensuring that their identity is not revealed to criminals.
They appealed to the police to intensify stop-and-search operation and ensure that anyone caught in possession of illegal firearms is prosecuted accordingly.
The youths however pledged to work with the police at reducing crime to a tolerable level in Edo State.
The brainstorming gathering which held at the instance of the AIG and Edo COMPOL Mr Chris Ezike witnessed over youths organizations from over 55 different communities, Division Police Officers (DPOs) and senior police officers in attendance.
