By Joshua Egbodo
Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Wilson Inalegwu, has reiterated the commitment of the command to rid Abuja streets of criminals, to ensure safer living in the city, especially at night.
The CP, who was reacting to suggestions that the recent presidential order that military checkpoints across the country be dismantled, may pose greater security dangers to residents of the FCT, while playing host to newsmen under the aegis of Association of Benue Journalists, Abuja at the weekend said though there is a 100 percent compliance with the order in the city, his command has risen to close the gaps.
“Compliance in the FCT is 100 percent, however, let me use this opportunity to differentiate between stop and search, and road block. We are still maintaining our presence on the roads through the “Safer Highways” initiative introduced by the IG,” he said, adding that section four of the Police Act gives them power to do stop and search on the roads.
Fielding question on the vulnerability of places of worship, especially in view of the new development, Inalegwu said “there is always the roving patrols by the police anti-bomb squad, but they cannot be everywhere all the time, so people need to be on the lookout,” advising that security guards of such places of worship should be wary of people who may insist on defying their parking directions.
The CP also disclosed that efforts are already on to impound all unpainted taxis operating in the city, as he explained that such would guarantee safer nightlife in Abuja, and that the action would be executed only after widespread public enlightenment.
On the proliferation of fuel black marketers on the streets of Abuja, Inalegwu said his men are really working hard to get rid of them, citing the recent arrest of two vehicle owners fitted with drums for purposes of the illicit business, but that they would only succeed through public cooperation.
“The task force against black marketers is working, only what is needed is the cooperation of the people,” he stated.
Earlier, chairman of the association, Mr Emmanuel Iffer, told the CP that they were in his office as part of the group’s decision to seek areas of collaboration with illustrious sons and daughters of Benue State, with the greater objectives of developing the state.
