Courtesy visit on the Ekpoma Area Commander held on Thursday 29th September, 2023 at the Ekpoma Area Command

Courtesy visit on the Ekpoma Area Commander held on Thursday 29th September, 2023 at the Ekpoma Area Command

The Convener, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, led some  members of the Forum on a courtesy call on the Ekpoma Area Commander. While introducing the Forum to the Commander, the Convener, stated that the Forum has been in existence since 2017 and it is registered with the relevant government agency as a Community Based Organisation. The Forum has served as the  advocate for the community in many areas. According to him, the Forum has intervened in the areas affecting BEDC estimated billings and epileptic power supply at a time,  the challenges of roads both state and Federal,  security and fostering communal relationships etc.  On the issue of security challenges in Ekpoma, the Convener informed the Area Commander about the influx of boys into Ekpoma from the northern part of Nigeria without  profiling, the rate of armed robbery via some bike riders, collection of illicit monies by some security operatives, the menace of drug abuse by our youths etc. He appealed to the Commander to write his name in gold through the stamping out of all forms of security challenges in our locality so that inhabitants can sleep with their two eyes closed. 

While responding, the Area Commander, Mr. N. Tissing, expressed his deep appreciation to the Forum for the courtesy call. According to him, he was overwhelmed with joy that there is a well organized Forum like this in Ekpoma fighting for the welfare of the people.  He also appreciated the Forum for the achievements recorded thus far. He was pleased to hear that the Forum played a key role in providing logistics especially the vehicles donated by former HOR member Rt. Hon. Joe Edionwele and the Managing Director, Big Taste Fast Foods Worldwide.  He appealed to the Forum to continue with the partnership with the Police especially through community policing which according to him is already  operational in Ekpoma. Speaking further, he stated that since his arrival in Ekpoma in June 2023, the command has not recorded any kidnapping case as all the DPOs under his jurisdiction often leads their officers into the bush where its suspected to be harbouring criminals three times a week and pictorial evidences from such raids are often reported on the Command's WhatsApp page. Though according to him,  he cannot vouch for the character of his entire team,  however, majority of his team members are doing their best to secure Ekpoma and its environs. He added that  the Edo State Security Network is what it's recognized by the Edo State government and all vigilantes are directed to key into it. He reiterated that Vigilantes are not supposed to operate without the Police and in fact, the DPOs are the coordinator of the Vigilantes. They do not have the right to stay on the road collecting money from passersby and bike riders. He added that he has warned them several times and also dispersed them from the mounted road block. On the Anti-Cult issue, he informed the Forum that he has interfaced with them and advised them to always operate with the Police and within the confines of the law.  He lamented the level of drug abuse by our youths and blamed it on lack of parental control. He however informed the Forum that he has directed the DPOs to liaise with the NDLEA to have the hideout of all these drug sellers within Ekpoma and it's environs raided. Once these youths do not have these drugs to buy, they will desist from using them. He also lamented the lack of respect exhibited by some of our youths especially those that lack parental control. Lastly, he stated that the Police is not perfect but with the collaboration of the Forum, they can do better.  He promised to take action promptly when he is informed of the excesses of his men and any criminal act. 

The highlight of the courtesy call was a group photo with the Area Commander, Mr. N. Tissing,  his 2ic, Nzeribe U and his Area Crime Officer, Mr. Dike flanked by members of the Forum, Convener, Dr. Jude Obasanmi, comrades Babatunde James, Easy, Steve Ehimare, Wahab Oriafo, Ukpukolo Friday, Samuel Ediale and Dcn. Comr. L. I. Isiraojie, Secretary to the Forum.