By Egwaoje, Amarachi Linda
In a bid to reduce crime rates and foster a safer community, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State, CP Betty Enekpen Isoken Otimenyin, has reiterated her commitment to combating crime and seeking collaboration with media practitioners. The Commissioner made this statement during a familiarization visit with Journalists at the Council Secretariat in Benin City.
According to CP Betty, the Nigerian Police Service is determined to tackle the rising wave of crime in the state, and the media plays a crucial role in this endeavor. “We recognize the importance of the media in the fight against crime,” she said. “As such, we are seeking to build a strong partnership with media practitioners to help disseminate information, educate the public, and gather intelligence to combat crime.”
The Commissioner noted that the police service has implemented various strategies to combat crime, including strengthening its forensic capabilities and improving response times to emergency situations.
CP Betty emphasized the need for media efforts to send a strong message, stating that the police are determined to bring criminals to justice. “When you see something, say something,” she urged.
The Commissioner assured the media practitioners that the police service would respond promptly to their requests for information and provide regular updates on operations.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Dr. Festus Alenkhe, commended the Commissioner for her commitment to building a strong partnership with the media. “We appreciate the Commissioner’s willingness to collaborate with us,” he said. He reiterated that the media is ready to work with the police to help combat crime and promote safety in communities.
Alenkhe noted that the media has a critical role to play in crime reporting and prevention, and that they are committed to supporting the police in their efforts to promote safety awareness among the public. “We will work with the police to provide accurate and balanced reporting on crime-related issues,” he said.
The meeting between the Commissioner of Police and the media practitioners was seen as a significant step toward building trust and cooperation between the two institutions. It is expected that this partnership will yield positive results in the fight against crime and promote a safer and more secure community for all Nigerians.