The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Police, CP Philip Maku, has said that five persons who were declared missing following the recent communal clash between Ekoli Edda in Afikpo South LGA, Ebonyi state and the people of Erel palm in Biasie LGA of Cross River State are yet to be seen.
The CP who recently assumed office in the state said that the command is not relenting in unraveling their disappearance and bringing to an end the wanton destruction of properties between the two communities.
In a chat with journalists in Abakaliki CP Maku said; “We are on top of the matter and hopeful their missing will be unravel. We are also relying on those in the Cross River axis for any useful information about the missing persons but we yet to see any of their dead bodies so we believe they are still alive” he noted.
“I wish to encourage the National Boundary Commission to come and do proper demarcation of the disputed areas and other disputed areas throughout all the boundary areas across the state”.
The CP advised criminals and those who indulge in different forms of criminal activities to have a rethink and repent or better still leave the state as the command will make their stay in the state very uncomfortable.
He sought the cooperation of all in the policy of establishing community policing in the state adding that the different communities have vital roles to play in combating crime and criminality.
He stated that the command have put in place all the necessary strategies to flush out criminals from their hideouts pointing out that his men are battle ready for the task ahead.
“There is no room for any criminal element in the state and I want to state that anyone cut perpetuating crime irrespective of his status must face the full wrath of the law”.
He called for the support of the people and assured citizens and residents of the state of the safety of their lives and properties.
He said that men of the command are more equipped now with the reality of the time and will make the state hot for criminals and evil ones.
Maku further directed members of the public to report to the command Police Public Relations Officer any police officer that intimidate or assault them wrongly for proper disciplinary action.
“Officers of the police force are not trained to bully anyone but to protect lives and properties. On the recent program of community policing programme, I will give full backing on the programme”.
“The scheme will enable communities to be fully in charge of policing in their community and assist the command in combating crime”.
“Every member of the community have a role to play in the formation by giving out vital information that will expose criminals and evil ones in their areas so that immediate action will be taken”.
