By Esther Elijah
The Police command in Imo says it is trailing the killers of a Police Inspector, simply identified as Charles.
Charles, who was kidnapped few weeks ago was found dead in a bush in Oguta Local Government Area of the state recently.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Barde, had already commissioned a team of police investigators to apprehend the killers.
“The command assures members of the public and family members of the deceased that we are already on the trail of the killers of Insp. Charles and the other victim.
“We will ensure that those behind the dastardly act are caught and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Okoye noted.
The deceased was an orderly to former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Chiji Collins.
Charles was attacked and abducted alongside a driver in a Toyota Hilux in the Ohaji/ Egbema area of the state.
A police source, who pleaded anonymity said it could not ascertain if the former speaker was in the vehicle when the hoodlums attacked.
“When we got information that some people were kidnapped about two weeks ago, we embarked on rescue operation and later found the corpse of the driver.
“The decomposing body of Charles was recently discovered in a bush at Oguta Local Government Area of the state,” the source hinted.
No fewer than seven police personnel and five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were attacked and killed between March and April this year in the state.
The state Police command had attributed the several attacks and subsequent killings to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and their security arm, Eastern Security Network.
The Commissioner of Police in Cross River, Gyogon Grimah, has assured that the command would deploy intelligence and community base policing to fight crime and criminality in the State.
Grimah, who stated this in Calabar at a news conference, solicited the collaboration of journalists and citizens to arrest all forms of crimes in Cross River.
The police commissioner, who reiterated a total clampdown on kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery across Cross River, said the command had keyed into the State Governors plan to ensure a secure State.
He, however noted that in fighting crime, the Command would operate on the principles of justice, equity and rule of law.
According to him, as we are all aware, the Governor has made it clear from onset that provision of adequate security is going to be his major focus.
“He further advised criminal elements in the State to repent and desist from their criminal activities and has provided a window for amnesty for such repentant criminals.
“I want to assure you all that the police command is fully committed to this goal of providing safe and secured Cross River.
“I have been fully briefed on the security architecture in assumption of office and had strategically mapped out robust onslaught on intelligence driven policing, deployment of officers and men for visibility policing.
“However, the Police cannot accomplish the set goals alone without the collaborative efforts of members of the public.”
The Commissioner said he has directed that information boxes be placed in strategic public places across the state to enable members of the public pass security information to the Police.
Grimah concluded with a warning to all enemies of peace, persons or group of persons unlawfully acquiring and possessing firearms to have a change of mind as contrary will attract consequences and prosecution.
It would be recalled that Grimah assumed duty as the new CP in Cross River on May 26.
