Edo State governor,Adams Oshiomole today presented some operational vehicles to the Edo State Police Command to boost their operations and logistics in tackling crime, particularly this yuletide.
The Governor while presenting the nine Hilux vans, which brings to over 120 the number of vehicles presented to the Police by his administration, eulogized the efforts of the Command in bringing the level of criminal activities in the state to its minimum level and assured them of his continuous support.
Oshiomhole said, “On behalf of the government and indeed, Edo tax payers, we will like to present these 9 operational vehicles which are purpose-built to help complement the efforts of the Federal Government in providing security to our great country.
“We appreciate the security challenges across the country right now and we do recognize that no particular arm of government or level of Government can be saddled completely with the responsibility of policing our country which is why Edo State government has raised funds to procure these vehicles.
“This obviously is a far cry from what you need, given the size of this state, our land mass, the number of local governments and even the sheer number of DPOs, these numbers is certainly not enough.
“But as we have often done in the past, we would, with time, procure more even as things are tough because we recognize that nothing else will matter to our people if they don’t feel safe. Even the poor man who is hungry wants to feel safe and with the events in parts of the country, nobody needs to sermonize anymore about the need for we all to join forces with the security agencies and complement the efforts of the police.
“Let me say that what has also inspired me even at this time to look for money when even payment of salary is tough in other parts of the country is that we are very encouraged that even with the absence of the necessary wherewithal to fight crime and criminals, you have through sheer determination provided inspiring leadership to your officers and men and we can see the number of criminals that have been put out of business over the past months since your assumption of duty.
“So we are very proud of your leadership and the contribution of your officers and men.
“Let me also use this opportunity to offer again our condolences through you to the families of those officers and men who were felled in the course of duty in Akoko Edo recently and in other part of the state.
“We recognize the sacrifices they have made for our own collective and individual security and we have approved some money to support the families of those police men who died in the course of duty in addition to whatever is provided for through the police system.
“I also want to through you appreciate the gallant role and the courage of those officers who confronted those deadly criminals and apprehend quite a number of them. It shows that the era of impunity is over. Criminals have been sufficiently put on notice by the action of the Edo police command that this state is no longer safe for criminals.
Responding, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike said, “You will recall that you recently gave us 500KVA transformer which we have received for installation at the state headquarters.
“We also want to acknowledge receipt of the 30,000 litres of PMS which you sent to us for patrol for this Christmas not to talk of the money you gave for the deceased policemen and the courageous ones.
“So today, your Excellency, you are merely doing what you know how to do best to give us operational vehicles. On behalf of the Inspector General of Police, I want to accept these vehicles and to assure you that these vehicles will be put to maximum use.”
The Commissioner of Police later presented awards received by the Edo State Police Force to the Comrade Governor in recognition and appreciation of his unrelenting support to the police force through the provisions of logistics and other operational materials to the police force.
