Security: IG commends Bello

Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali has commended Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi for managing crimes and criminality in the state.

Alkali gave the commendation on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Lokoja, during his familiarisation tour to Kogi State Police Command.

He noted that crimes and criminality were being effectively managed on daily basis between Abuja and Kogi with the full support of the governor as the executive officer.

“My sincere gratitude and appreciation to the governor for always coming to us and supporting us in respect to security matters in Kogi.

“I have never heard the governor crying and saying I don’t have control of security.

“This is because the governor is able to galvanise, synergise, collaborate and cooperate with all the security agencies.

“Security is everybody’s business; neighborhood, community, township and state policing, and we have a leader who is leading it the front; that is what is happening in Kogi,” he said.

He, however, noted that there was room for improvement and much more to be done, saying the dividends of security could not be seen in terms of naira and kobo.

He stressed that people “have responsibility as citizens to collectively protect themselves and community, but many people were docile and afraid to tell the truth”.

In his remarks, the governor appreciated Alkali for the visit and commendation, while praising him for his good work since he took over as police boss.

Bello explained that security was at its lowest ebb when he took over as executive governor in 2016, but with his commitment and strong determination, insecurity had been reduced to its barest minimum.

“While I will continue to play my own roles as the governor of all, I intend to ensure the safety of all too, irrespective of political affiliations.

“We will, therefore, deal with peddlers of insecurity under any guise whatsoever, and no matter how highly placed,” Bello said.

The governor noted that the joint activities and combined bravery of the personnel of various service commands in Kogi State working together to provide security had given him and the administration outstanding recognitions across the country.

He commended the police and all the other law enforcement officers, assuring them that Kogi would continue to support them.