Abia promises N1 m for whistle blowers

www.odogwublog.com reports that Abia State Government has promised to reward any one that volunteers useful information that helps security agencies in  tracking down criminals in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Umuahia said the measure was part of recommendation by the State's   Police Command which had received the approval of the state government.

He noted that police could not work on isolation in the fight against crime but needed the support and cooperation of members of the public, hence the need for partnership between security operatives and the public.

His words: " Security has been globally perceived as a collective responsibility. It therefore, calls for collaborative efforts of all security agencies of the state, neighbourhood watch, youths, vigilante groups and the people".

The police boss who vowed to make Abia uninhabitable for criminals  further said that a "tactical rapid response squad" would be launched and deployed in two weeks time   to stem the tide of criminality in the state.

He said that the members of the squad would undergo a special training before being deployed to help combat heinous crime which is beginning to rear its head again in parts of the state.

Recall that kidnapping and car theft are again on the increase in Abia especially Aba and Umuahia the state capital.

The Police Commissioner said that members of the squad would be well equipped and motivated for efficient service delivery, adding that their operations will boost police response time to distress calls.

" They will complement the efforts of our anti- crime team already on ground", the CP added.

On the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in parts of the state, Oyebade said efforts were on to proffer permanent solution to the menace through the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders including representatives of both sides, security agencies and government.

He said that normality had returned to Ozuitem where farmers clashed with herdsmen recently, adding that stakeholders from both sides are currently brainstorming on lasting solution to the crisis.