By Ayodele Abere
The Ekiti State Police Command has inaugurated a new Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to strengthen the protection of lives and property across towns and villages in the state, in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Commissioner of Police Michael Falade announced the launch on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, describing the VCRU as a rapid-response outfit established to address violent crimes more effectively.
“The VCRU is a rapid-response outfit designed to tackle violent crimes more effectively. Its establishment became necessary due to the evolving nature of criminality and the need for a dedicated team that can respond swiftly to distress calls,” Falade said.
He disclosed that operatives assigned to the unit have commenced intensive tactical and intelligence-driven training ahead of field deployment. The commissioner charged the officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.
“I charge these officers to maintain the highest level of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights. This Command will not tolerate lapses, misconduct, or abuse of power under any guise,” he stated.
Falade called for public cooperation with the new unit, stressing that community partnership remains vital to effective policing. “I urge all residents to support the VCRU with timely and credible information that can aid crime prevention and detection,” he said.
The commissioner also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his sustained support to the Command, particularly in logistics and operational mobility, noting that the state government’s backing has been critical to recent successes against criminal elements.
“This unit further bolsters the state’s security architecture,” Falade added.
In a goodwill message, the Secretary of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ekiti State, Lawrence Ogunsetire, pledged the committee’s full support for the VCRU. He said the PCRC would mobilise communities to collaborate with the unit to improve security.
Also speaking, the National Provost Marshal, Joshua Makinde, expressed confidence that VCRU officers would complement the efforts of existing units within the Command.
