The Divisional Police Officer in Etinan CSP Mfon Emem has embarked on tour of communities in an attempt to build confidence among citizens as well as seek partnership with the community in tackling crime.
Her tour took her to Mbioto Ekpene Ituen in Southern Iman Ward 5 where she met with the village council and the people on Monday, August 19,2024.
“I am here in your midst because the work of security is not successfully done from the office. I have come to identify with my people. We are taking it to the grassroots because we are public servants.
She emphasized that without the people there will be no police and called for partnership between the community and the police.
“If there are criminals they should relocate because I am coming for them. I don’t call black white. You know yourselves. It is the people that leads a thief to the house. Don’t harbour criminals. Don’t provide cover for criminals.
Peace of mind is paramount. All hands must be on deck to provide security in the community.
On the issue of having vigilante group in the community, CSP Mfon Emem said her own style is to profile those who are to be engaged as members of the community guard. “They must not be people of questionable character”
She also warned against jungle justice in the community saying the police will come after whoever was involved in jungle justice.
“The police was accused of extra judicial killings but now it is the people that are carrying out extra judicial killings by way of jungle justice.
Some members of the community who spoke during the visit complained of a situation where those who provide information to the police are not protected by the police.
Obong Godwin Owonam said one of the challenges faced in the prosecution of criminals is the fear of the people to appear as a prosecuting witness.
In his remarks, the acting Village Head, Obong Emmanuel Elijah Aniema welcome the Divisional Police Officer and assured her of the cooperation and partnership of the community with the police
