Gallant Police operatives in Enugu have arrested 228 persons for alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, illegal possession of firearms and cultism in the state within the last two months.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa who made this known in his median interaction with newsmen at the state police headquarters, Enugu, gave details of his achievements since he assumed office two months ago.
According to Giwa, 36 kidnapped victims were rescued while 44 firearms, 173 ammunition and 20 vehicles were also recovered.
“The breakdown shows that 44 are armed robbery suspects, 33 are cases of kidnapping, 12 for murder cases and 6 persons for illegal possession of firearms, 5 rape and defilement, 44 cultism and 149 for other crimes”. Giwa said.
Mamman Giwa also frowned at what he described as fake news, pointing out that those creating and spreading fake news will not be glossed over but would be dealt with according to the law.
Giwa who was particularly furious against those who spread information on the social media who, he said, are more prone to dishing out fake news without regard to the negative effect of their actions, while urging journalists to engage in responsible journalism.
“Fake news is real and its negative impact on the lives and mental well-being cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, I urge those responsible for creating and spreading fake news, especially bon social media to stop forthwith such actions have serious legal consequences, and we’ll not hesitate to pursue anyone found culpable,”
“I encourage all journalists and citizens in Enugu State to engage in responsible media practice. Please verify information before posting or sharing any security-related contents, particularly on social media.
“Your support and cooperation are crucial as we continue to intensify our efforts to combat emerging crimes in the state . We recognize the importance of the media in disseminating information in this digital age. However, the timing, purpose and method of reporting security incidents must be carefully scrutinized to avoid causing unnecessary panic and creating false impressions in the minds of unsuspecting citizens,” Giwa warned.
Giwa also used the opportunity to remind his officers and men of the need to avoid unprofessional conducts that would bring the image of the police to disrepute, stressing that the state police command under his watch has zero tolerance to corruption including extortion of money from members of the public
