The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has called on the police in Ebonyi State to immediately stop the ongoing burning of the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The News Agency of Nigeria It is reported that Baba gave the order on Friday in Abakaliki as he addressed the force personnel as part of activities marking his visit to the state.
He urged the staff to do everything within their powers to protect INEC facilities and other public facilities in the state.
“The way these criminals attack is complex, because they throw bombs and dynamite from a distance, among other things.
“We believe that apart from providing physical security at INEC offices, you should engage its officials to provide offices for our staff,” he said.
The IG also advised INEC to relocate its offices or important materials to safer places.
He said: “INEC offices across the state should be relocated to safer places if possible but if not, important materials should be moved to safer places.
“I appreciate all your efforts to protect lives and property in Ebonyi and the various forms of support given to the force by the state government.”
The IG also proposed to the state government to allow the police to supervise and regulate the activities of the Ebubeagu Security outfit.
“There is a law that establishes the dress and I am sure that its responsibilities are under the supervision of the police.
“There is no problem with the outfits wearing uniforms because the community police also wear uniforms.
“However, they must have a suitable means of identification and it must be reiterated that the role of the police is everyone’s business,” he said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, thanked the IGP for the visit, saying it boosted the morale of his men.
“We promise to redouble our efforts to guarantee the lives and property of citizens,” he said.
