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By Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, has emphasised the importance of community policing to help curb crime and criminality in the state.
She made this known during her courtesy visit to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council.
Otimenyin stressed that crime prevention is both better and cheaper than detection, noting that when citizens volunteer information to the police, it enables them to perform their duties more effectively and protect the public from harm.
She added that her mission is to make the state safe for everyone and create an environment where businesses can thrive, urging all residents to support the police in building a safer Edo State.
“Our purpose in coming to Edo State is to ensure we create a safe environment. We want everyone from Edo State, as well as visitors, to feel welcomed and secure when they come here.
“We aim to build an environment that is friendly, where businesses can flourish, where people can live peacefully, where the tourism the state is known for can thrive, where those in the diaspora can return home with confidence to invest.
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“We want to create an environment where everyone will be safe. That is why we say, ‘wherever you are, if you see something, say something.’ This means providing us with information because, with information, we can take action,” she said.
The Police Commissioner also highlighted the need for residents to know their neighbours to help prevent criminal activities such as armed robbery and cultism.
“We also want you to understand the importance of knowing your neighbours. Now that we have laws on kidnapping and cultism that have been domesticated, it means that if you rent your house to such individuals, your property could be affected.
“So, know who you are surrounding yourself with—know your friends, know who you associate with, be aware of your environment, and be your brother’s keeper.
“Share information with us, and we will act. When you see something, say something. We want to adopt a collective approach—policing is about all of us, you and me. Get involved because this is a new phase of policing where we are all partners working together.
“What you sow is what you reap. If you witness a crime and say nothing, how can you be sure you won’t be the next victim? That’s why we are urging everyone: when you see something, say something,” Otimenyin stated.
Responding, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Festus Alenkhe, assured the CP of a mutual working relationship with the Edo State Police Command.
