By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP Steve Yabanet, has assured the Benue people of his commitment to protect lives and property during and after the yuletide.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue State Command Sewuese Catherine Anene informed that the Commissioner of police who revealed this on Monday while briefing senior officers also ordered all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure that their areas of responsibility are properly secured.
According to the statement, Yabanet also ordered that all entries and exits of state are also manned by police officers noting also that all officers of the command have been ordered to report on duty through out the festive period as stop and search and patrols have been beefed up to ensure a crime-free Christmas and new year celebrations for Benue residents.
The CP also ordered the deployment of personnel to all places of worship, event centers and any other crowded area.
The Benue State Police boss counseled residents not to hesitate to notify the police about every event that would attract crowd to enable the police deploy resources for crowd control to avoid stamped and other crimes that may occur.
He noted that the ban on sale and unauthorized use of “knockout” or fireworks was still in force and further explained that the practice could create panic and enable criminals to commit crime and get away with it.
“Parents and guidance are therefore advised to warn thier children/wards to desist from using “knockout”.”
As he felicitated with the residents on the occasion of Christmas and new year celebrations, the CP also called on the good people of Benue state to be law abiding and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or call the following numbers for their complaints:
0806 600 6475
0706 737 4913
0805 749 3117.
