Police chief advocates early information as Abia community leaders present security concerns

Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South East zone, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie has urged community leaders in Abia State to assist the police with early information about security challenges in their localities, for a faster response.

DIG Onwuemelie made the call in Umuahia on Monday when he held a strategic meeting with traditional rulers, religious groups and other security stakeholders to address security concerns in Abia State.

Onwuemelie, who said he was directed by  the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu to strengthen community partnership in crime prevention, highlighted major security concerns in the State, including youth violence in Aba, armed robbery, domestic violence and cult-related activities.

He called for  lawful collaboration  between  vigilante groups in Abia communities with security agencies in fighting crime in Abia communities.

The DIG explained that the stakeholders’ engagement was used to listen to the security concerns in communities, fostering collaboration, prevent crime and build trust between the Police and Abia public.

In his speech, the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mba advised the police and other security agencies to ensure that Abia communities are not invaded, as it is happening in different parts of the country.

Eze Nto Mba, who urged  all traditional rulers in Abia  to ensure that anybody that enters their community is properly identified, observed that bandits usually attack communities located far away from the cities.

Also speaking at the security meeting, the President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Abia State branch, Pastor Joseph Okowu called for more police patrol around schools in the State, saying that measure would protect Abia pupils and teachers from being attacked by bandits.