_...As Nkanu West Mayor, Hon. John Ogbodo, Commends Gov. Mbah's Security Vision, Applauds CP Giwa's Proactive Policing_
The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area, Hon. John Ogbodo, on Wednesday hosted a high-level Zonal Security Town Hall Meeting that brought together critical stakeholders from Nkanu West, Nkanu East, and Aninri Local Government Areas to chart a stronger path toward tackling security challenges across the zone.
The strategic engagement featured the Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, who led a high-powered delegation of senior police officers and security personnel to interface directly with traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders, youth representatives, and other stakeholders on measures to strengthen security architecture within the three council areas.
Welcoming participants, the host chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo, commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, describing him as an exceptional leader whose administration has continued to make security one of the cardinal pillars of governance.
Hon. Ogbodo equally applauded CP Bitrus Giwa for his professionalism, dedication, and proactive leadership in the fight against crime across Enugu State, noting that the Commissioner's people-oriented policing strategy has significantly boosted public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking during the interactive session, CP Giwa encouraged participants to speak freely on security concerns affecting their communities, assuring them that the Enugu State Police Command remains committed to acting swiftly on credible intelligence and reports capable of preventing crime and ensuring public safety.
Stakeholders used the opportunity to identify major security concerns confronting the zone, including the growing menace of drug abuse among youths, communal disputes, allegations of homosexual activities, and the need for faster police response to emergency distress calls.
Responding to the issues raised, the Commissioner of Police assured participants that his office remains open to intelligence gathering and public complaints, emphasizing that effective policing can only be achieved through sustained collaboration between security agencies and the people.
He further appealed to communities to encourage more young people to enlist in the Nigeria Police Force, explaining that inadequate manpower remains one of the greatest challenges facing the police in maintaining a visible and effective presence across all communities.
Addressing a concern raised by one of the traditional rulers regarding police arrests without prior notification to the community's Igwe, CP Giwa explained that police operations are intelligence-driven and often require operational confidentiality. He added that in certain situations, some traditional institutions have been compromised or have not exercised sufficient control over criminal elements operating within their domains.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Enugu State Chapter, and Executive Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Area, Hon. Sydney Okechukwu Edeh, alongside the Executive Chairman of Aninri Local Government Area, Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku, separately lauded Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for placing security at the forefront of his administration's development agenda.
The council chairmen also commended CP Bitrus Giwa and officers of the Enugu State Police Command for their relentless efforts in preserving peace and combating criminality across the state. They urged residents to complement the efforts of security agencies by volunteering timely and useful information, stressing that the responsibility of securing society rests with everyone.
The meeting ended on a positive note with goodwill messages and votes of thanks delivered by HRH Okeke Kingsley (Eze Ogboha II, Igwe Kiti Kim Kim) and the Area Commander, Agbani Area Command, ACP Lateef Alabi, who both appreciated the Commissioner of Police and his delegation for the impactful engagement and prayed for a safe return journey as they continue their mission of strengthening security across Enugu State.
_FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
