Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha

By Amby Uneze

Determined to fight crime in the state to zero point, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has inaugurated Imo State Security Network and Emergency Service with the aim of assisting security agencies apprehend criminals in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration of the outfit Wednesday at the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, Owerri, Okorocha said the state security network and emergency service would partner with all the security agencies in the state to fish out criminals in various autonomous communities.

Okorocha, who was worried over the high rate of crimes in the state vowed that his administration will deal ruthlessly with criminals and politicians who sponsor them to carry out their nefarious activities.

He observed that one of the challenges of his administration has been insecurity in the state and urged all traditional rulers in the state to take the responsibility of security in their various autonomous communities in order to complement the efforts of the state government, adding that those who aid kidnappers would also face capital punishment and made them to understand that the state government will make available to them all the equipment needed to execute their job.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, explained that members of the state Security Network and Emergency Service were trained to work under the state police command and were divided into nine units with each comprising thirty six members.

He also hinted that that they would be given telephone numbers with which the public can contact them.

Speaking also, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General M.A. Alkali, had assured the governor that the Army in the state would support his administration, especially in the area of security, adding that the Chief of Army Staff has given approval for four new security post along water ways in Oguta and other riverine areas in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolanta, who was represented by the officer in charge of operations, Mr. Celestine Okoye, urged members of the state security network and emergency service not to use their position and equipment to intimidate innocent people.