By Jethro Ibileke
In the wake of the chilling execution of 16 suspected kidnappers in Uromi, Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has moved swiftly to douse growing fears of reprisal attacks, assuring residents that calm and order are being restored with military precision.
Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at their monthly congress in Benin City, Agbonika — the 50th CP deployed to Edo by the Police Service Commission — vowed to crush criminality and enforce peace across every inch of the state.
“I have a mandate of making the State safer for all,” he declared with steely resolve, “and I also have the support of the Governor and every other well-meaning Edolites, to ensure that the entire State is peaceful and crime-free.”
Agbonika’s assurance comes amid public tension following the grisly killings in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA — an incident that sent shockwaves through the community.
But the CP insisted there was no need for alarm, noting that the issue had already drawn the full attention of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his counterpart in Kano State.
He issued a rallying call to Edo communities, urging residents to collaborate with the police in stamping out crime.
“The communities should be ready to work with the police,” he said. “If there are areas we are not working well, even you the press should let us know.”
Making it clear that his administration will have zero tolerance for corruption within the force, Agbonika added: “We are here to work and not to extort anybody. I’m pushing out all the police personnel — we must all work for a crime-free Edo state.”
The CP further appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist the Command in its mission to safeguard lives and property.
