By David Chimezie, Umuahia
A new Assistant inspector General of Police, Mr. Yerima Irimiya Fyarah, has assumed office as the AIG in charge of zone 9 Police Command Umuahia, Abia State.
The new AIG told journalists in his office in Umuahia that he came with new strategies to combat crime, assuring the people of the zone of maximum security of lives and properties. Mr Fyarah who hails from Takum in Taraba State and holds a university degree in History served last as AIG in charge of Marines in Lagos State from where he was posted to Zone 9.
Mr Fyarah pleaded with people of the zone to assist the Police by offering useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals. He promised hard times for all criminals in the zone, saying time has come for criminals to either abandon crime and be good citizens or face hot combat from his men.
He promised that his administration in the zone would give zero tolerance to crime, observing that his men will never give away any informant who offers useful information to the police. He added that his men will never let the people down.
The New AIG said: “I call on the general public to assist the police to enable us succeed. I assure you of your security and protection of your human rights. We will not let you down so do not let us down. My doors are open for information, speak to any policeman on duty or go to any nearest police station and give your information. Do not wait to see an officer you know because it could be too late, we will use all resources within our deposal to fight crime in this zone”.
Mr Fyarah promised to instil discipline among men and officers of the command by assuring that illegal detention and extortion is stopped and human rights protected. He called on press men to avoid sensational reports that would project the police in bad light, rather they should report the activities and laudable achievements of the force to serve as encouragement to police to do more.
Speaking on incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and some communities member, a problem that has bedevilled the zone for some years and has claimed several lives and properties, the new AIG said he would tackle the problem by organizing seminars and workshops for the herdsmen and community members including stakeholders on security. This is to educate them on the need for peaceful co-existence, noting that Nigeria as a nation is practicing democracy which allows any individual to live wherever he or She chooses to live .
He made it clear that granting bail in police station with money is illegal and fraudulent saying that bailable offences are done free of charge. In other words, he said no money should be given to any cop by any suspect to obtain his or her bail. He added that the present administration of Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) has zero tolerance for fraud.