Ewu Foiled Kidnapping:
Monarch Commends Police DPO On Major Breakthrough.
...Ewu not a hiding place for these criminals.
-Zaiki Ojiefo
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
The Onojie of Ewu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Zaiki Abdulrasaq Ojiefo III, has commended the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ewu Division, Chief Supretendent of Police, CSP, Akanbi Olubunmi Ezekiel, for the success he recorded in the recent arrest of five suspects alleged of kidnapping a man and his wife in Usiodo community, Ewu, Esan Central Local Government, ECLG, area of Edo state.
The Monarch so commended the Ewu Divisional Police Officer, In a meeting that recently held in the Palace to assess the security situation in the kingdom.
Speaking, the Monarch, who thanked the the DPO, CSP Akanbi, and his men, as well as other Security Agents that were responsible for the breakthrough, also added that the arrest of the five suspects has sent a very strong message to others who may be nursing the evil idea of continuing in the criminal act. The Monarch urged the Security agents to intensify their efforts in ensuring that kidnappers and other criminal elements are permanently put out of business.
In an exclusive chat with Winning Media, Zaiki Abdulrasaq Ojiefo III, the Onojie of Ewu, who described the kidnap attempt on the couple in Usiodo community, as an unfortunate one, also confirmed that the Ewu Police Division, was not only commanded by him but also by the entire community and stakeholders, adding that; "...the DPO and his men, did not only respond, they responded swiftly under 24 hours of the occurrence of the incident".
The Monarch also pointed out that the first 24 hours after the commission of a crime is very important; as that time will likely determine the success or otherwise of the security agents in arresting the perpetrators. He said; "...the DPO, and his men, as well as other Security Agents with him, trekked throughout the night for over 13 hours, in pursuit of the kidnappers. That is an uncommon courage. We also commended the Area Commander, who was also on ground to give them a moral boost".
Continuing, Ewu kingdom, the Monarch said, is one of the most peaceful in Edo state. "The issue of kidnapping is not common here. However, Ewu kingdom, does not live in isolation, and we share boundaries with a number of other local governments, as a result of these, whatever is happening in those other communities and local government areas that we share boundaries with, has the potential of spilling over to Ewu, and that is what is responsible for this rise in crime rate around Ewu; but, by the special grace of God, Ewu is not going to be a hiding place for these criminals".
In his message to the people in and around Ewu kingdom, HRH, Zaiki Abdulrasaq Ojiefo III, said; "... We should all be conscious of every happenings around us vigilance should be our watchword".
"...security is not a one-man business It is a business that affects everybody. If your neighbor is not safe, you are not safe. You might construct a perimeter fence around your house, that does not make you safe. We don't live in isolation; If your brother, or sister is affected, you are also affected. We must be very watchful of strangers that live amongst us; because, from information, the strangers that live amongst us are the ones that mostly carry out these crimes. In as much as the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, allows freedom of movements, association, and all that, we must be very careful and watchful".
Finally, in the fight against kidnappings and other criminalities, the Monarch commended the efforts of the governor of Edo state, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in paying monthly salaries to Edo State Security Corps, as against the voluntary service they were rendering in the past, and even making their job a pensionable job; adding that, Governor Okpebholo, also provided the Security Corps Operatives with operational vehicles and motorbikes..."no governor before him, has been this outstanding in supporting the fight against insecurity in Edo state. I am however urging Governor Okpebholo not to rest on his oars.
"As we put our efforts together to combat crime and criminalities in our communities, may God almighty continue to protect us and be with us; because, our lives is actually in God's hands". He concluded.
Those present at the Security Stakeholders meeting, that held at the Palace of Ewu Kingdom, include, the Executive Chairman of Esan Central Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Kelvin Ainiyalenhimi Iyere, the member representing Esan Central constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Fada Eigbiremonlen, the Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Eunice Eboserehimen Omonzejie, Fulham/Hausa Community resident in Ewu, as well as the Benue and Kogi indigenes resident in Ewu.