Edo State Police Commissioner, CP Johnson Kokumo, has vowed that the Police under his leadership will observe zero tolerance for corruption and rights abuses just as he warned that policemen engaging in bribery and extortion would be sent packing from the force.
Speaking during his maiden interaction with the media at the NUJ secretariat in Benin, Kokumo warned criminals who had been terrorizing the state particularly kidnappers, armed hoodlums, cultists etc, to relocate from the state without delay or be ready to bite the dust.
He noted that the police and other sister security agencies were working round the clock to ensure that popular Benin-based musician, Mr. Joseph Osayomore, who was kidnapped about a month ago regains his freedom.
He disclosed that suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of Dr. Osagie Ehanire, have been confessing their roles in the crime.
The new CP said, “I am here to formally introduce myself as the new Commissioner of Police in Edo State. I crave your assistance in the discharge of my duties and I want to synergize and collaborate with the NUJ to fight crime in Edo State.
“The Police under my command will partner with traditional rulers, professionals, youth bodies, civil society groups, and sister security agencies to fight crime in the state.
“We want information from the public, the NUJ and others because good information is better than 1001 AK rifles at our disposal.
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Meanwhile, Gov. Godwin Obaseki has advised CP Johnson Kokumo to give initiate urgent proactive measures to the current security challenges in the state and reassure the people of their safety.
Speaking when he received the CP in his office, Obaseki promised his government’s support and urged the CP to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear in the discharge of his duties.
He said, “We believe you have the requisite experience to help maintain security in the state, going by your record of successful handling of criminal activities.
“We believe you have the ability to replicate what you did in other states here in Edo”.
Announcing that Edo State government was set to implement a new security architecture in the state in collaboration with the Police Obaseki said, “We need to change the entire security architecture in the state, but we were waiting for you to come, so that together we will work to implement the security plan and address the security challenges.
“Now that we have a new CP in place, I believe in the next one week, we will begin to implement the new security architecture in the state”.
Responding, CP Kokumo assured citizens of Edo State that the state will no longer be a safe haven for criminal activities.
While advising them (criminals) to relocate from the state, Kokumo said, “I am currently doing a crime profile in the state, and in a matter of days, I will come out with a clear strategy aimed at fighting crime and criminality.”
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