{BY TOBIAS EKIRIKA, Onitsha}
Assistant Commissioner of Police Temitope Fasugba and Superintendent of Police Kenechi Austine Okafor, the Divisional Police Officer at Okpoko Police Station, have earned accolades from local stakeholders in Okpoko for their efforts to enhance security in the area.
The praise was bestowed during the Onitsha Area Commander’s inaugural visit to the Okpoko Police Station yesterday.
In his address, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, President General of Ogbaru Main Market, highlighted the effective policing strategies implemented by the Area Commander and the DPO, which he noted have contributed significantly to crime reduction in the region.
During an interview at the event, Chief Ochiogu stated that the coordinated efforts of the Area Commander and the DPO have fostered a safer environment for residents and property in both Onitsha and Okpoko.
He remarked that since the DPO’s deployment to Okpoko, there has been a noticeable decrease in criminal activity and public disturbances, longstanding challenges for the community.
Another community stakeholder, Mr. Chukwuma Emmanuel Akika (Stager), characterized the DPO and the Area Commander as proactive leaders whose policing methods have improved the command’s reputation and positively impacted public perception of the police.
Stager encouraged them to continue their diligent work to ensure sustained peace and order within their jurisdiction.
Dr. Solomon Ibezim, Chief Security Officer of Agunechemba in Okpoko, praised the collaboration between the police and Agunechemba security personnel, noting that this partnership has enhanced crime control and overall security in the area.
He acknowledged the competence of both the Area Commander and the DPO, pledging that his team would consistently work alongside the police for effective surveillance.
Chief (Sir) Charles Ezeokafor Nwatawugwu, President General of the Okpoko community, also lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force in Onitsha Area Command, promising community support in crime-fighting through the sharing of reliable information.
In his welcome remarks, the DPO mentioned that the presence of numerous markets and industries in Okpoko makes the area vulnerable to incidents involving touts posing as revenue agents, which can result in traffic jams, altercations, and accidents.
He identified additional security concerns, including drug trafficking, cultism, and sexual assault, and pinpointed areas of heightened risk such as Upper Iweka, Okpoko Junction, and Atani Road by Obodoukwu Junction.
The DPO stressed that collaboration with Agunechemba and community stakeholders is crucial for effectively addressing criminal activities.
Addressing the issue of personnel shortages at the police station, he requested that the Area Commander to deploy more officers, noting the station currently has a higher number of female officers than male.
In response, Area Commander Temitope Fasugba commended the DPO’s effective policing strategies and emphasized the importance of collaboration between police and local vigilante groups for enhanced law enforcement.
Regarding the personnel shortage raised by the DPO, the Area Commander stated that this is a common challenge across police stations. He encouraged parents and guardians to motivate their children to consider joining the police force, emphasizing that continual shortages will persist without new recruits
