IGP Arase restates commitment to crackdown on cultism, criminality
Felix Okoye
Nigeria Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, on Saturday said, Police would continue to crackdown on cultism and other forms of criminality in the country.
The Police boss made this pledge at a ceremony organised in his honour by the Ora-ekpen Development Association (ODA) in Sabongidda-Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo.
According to him, the crackdown would be sustained in order to ensure and maintain peace in the country.
His words: “I have dealt with it in Edo State; I have dealt with it in Kogi State; I have dealt with it in Ekiti State and I will continue to deal with them (cultists) wherever they rear their heads.
“But let me just say this, there is no society that is crime-free, but you can make it tolerable; that is exactly what we intend to do.
“The roadblock was not a panacea or crime prevention strategy.
“It is an avenue that creates social friction between us and members of the public”.
Arase stated further that though no society could be totally rid of crime, the results from the crack squad had shown that the country could be made safe.
He maintained that the force would continue to dismantle police roadblocks; a directive which he insisted had been ineffective.
The police boss also revealed that plans were on for the implementation of police reforms, including human rights issues and intelligence policing.
He promised to continue to portray the values of honesty, discipline and hard work which he learnt from his community.
The governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo at the occasion, commended the police boss for improving the performance of the security agency since he assumed office as the police chief in May and urged Nigerians to contribute their support for the police, said that the people of the state would also celebrate him as their own.
The President of the ODA, Prof. Sam Ahonkhai, in his speech at the occasion explained that the reception was organised to appreciate the IGP Arase, whom he described as `an illustrious son of the community.’
According to him, Arase appointment had showed that individuals could aspire and work hard to achieve their goals in the interest of the country.
The highlight of the occasion was the conferment of the traditional title of “Ogiagbase of Ora Kingdom” on the IGP Arase and Agharese title on his wife.