• Reads riot act to sit-at-home enforcers

Imo State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Ahmed Barde, has urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to embrace efforts being made to guarantee violence-free November 11 governorship poll in the state.

Barde, who made the call at a stakeholders’ sensitisation forum, organised by SOS Children Villages, founded by the European Union (EU), held in Owerri, yesterday, reiterated that effective policing requires collaborative efforts.

The Imo police boss, represented by CSP Michael Abattam, cautioned against actions and behaviors capable of fuelling violence and disrupting existing peace and unity in the state.

He also stressed the need for continuous sensitisation of citizens, especially the electorate, aimed at achieving peaceful and free conduct of the forthcoming poll.

He said: “As we prepare for the election process proper, there is need to sensitise both state and non-state actors against hate speech, abusive or slanderous languages, insinuations or innuendos that may likely provoke violent reactions, physical attacks, and destruction of campaign materials or arenas.

Menawhile, Barde has warned enforcers of the sit-at-home in the state to desist forthwith, as his men would not rest until they are nabbed and persecuted.

He said the Command has arrested 53 suspected criminals, including ritualists, kidnappers, members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an armed robbery gang, child traffickers and a murder suspect.

Parading the suspects at the Command Headquarters, in Owerri, yesterday, Barde, represented by the Command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, reiterated the Command’s commitment to curb insecurity in the state.

He also warned parents and guardians to advise their children and wards to desist from criminal activities, capable of jeopardising security and peace in the state.

He said: “Stakeholders in the taste are encouraged to talk to their subjects, as the Command would not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with any criminal syndicate or individual caught enforcing the unlawful sit-at-home order or perpetrating any form of criminality.

“Members of the public are encouraged to disregard the unlawfully imposed sit-at-home order by a criminal syndicate, whose stock in trade is to create panic, and go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation.”

He, however, advised the public to remain vigilant and swiftly report criminally minded elements, seen enforcing the unlawful order or carrying out other nefarious activities, to the nearest police station.