By Polycarp Ifeanyi
The renovated Onitsha Main Market Police division which was gutted by fire has been Commissioned by the Commissioner of Police Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye.
The event was held at Main Market Police Division premises and attracted the presence of stakeholders and Market leaders which included the Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, Director of operations, Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), Chief Chinenye Ihenko, Chairman of Sokoto Road Market, Hon. Emeka Mbachu, Haruna Street Market Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Idoko amongst others.
Commissioning the renovated building, CP Aderemi Adeoye poured encomium to the officers of the Market, men and women of good will who united themselves and provided resources to renovate the guttered Police Division building.
He lauded the courage of the individuals which he said is quite commendable considering the high cost of raw materials in this global economic hardship, stating that renovating the Police Station is the greatest service and sacrifice to humanity.
The Anambra State Police boss assured traders that the Police Division was not created to treat them or an institution of injustice but for their safety, protections and service to humanity.
“If you complain, our doors are open. We would not like a situation where the police will be a burden to you people but that doesn’t mean that police will condone illegality or harbor criminals.
“Police will continue to work to make the environment safe. People of Anambra State are enterprising and hard-working and that is why people from Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo came to make money and they would be safe”
“If any person commits a crime, that person is on his own. We can not say that everybody is a criminal . We only deal with people who said they are criminals. So, it is our joy to see your business growing, “said CP Adeoye.
The CP specifically eulogized the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Joy Ikpeama, saying that she has been consistent and focused in her duty.
He equally rains praises to her, stating that she is the best among the four female Divisional Police Officers in the state, saying that he has no need of removing her since she is performing well.
Presenting her address, the Divisional Police Officer of the Station, SP Joy Ikpeama recalled that CSP Joy Elemoko and DSP Igwe Okechukwu were posted as the first Divisional Police Officers ( DPO) and Divisional Crime Officer ( DCO), disclosing that the numerical strength of the Division was eighteen.
She also hinted that she assumed office as the Divisional Police Officer ( DPO) of the Division on April 12, 2023 without office due to fire incident which occurred on March 21,2023, even as she said that she embarked on serious evacuation of burnt debris, solicited for assistance from stakeholders within and outside the Market for the renovation, foiling many kidnapping attempts amongst other as her achievements.
She equally mentioned acute shortage of manpower, and logistics as the bottle neck of the Police Division.
Expressing his joy, the Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha who spoke on behalf of traders extolled CP Adeoye for coming to commission the Police Division, stressing that the Police Division is imperative to the traders.
He explained that the relationship between both Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Joy Ikpeama and traders had been cordial, adding that any case involving criminal matters in the Market is always handled by Police.
He also commended the professionalism of officers serving in the Police Division as well as the Director of operations Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG), Chief Chinenye Ihenko ( Okpomp) for his helping hands in the security network, assuring the CP that traders will always support Police in their duty.
Other stakeholders who expressed their joy on the event included, Deputy Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Main Market Division, Mr. Mgbachi Rowland and Secretary, Mr. ThankGod Okeke.
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