From Moshood Karim
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, has called for greater collaboration between the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the police in tackling crime across the State.
During a courtesy visit to the Edo State Council of the NUJ in Benin City on Wednesday, Otimenyin emphasised the importance of a strong partnership between the police and the media in ensuring public safety.
She stressed that her primary objective is to make Edo State a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. “We want to create an environment where people feel secure, where businesses can flourish, and where tourism can thrive,” she said.
Otimenyin urged journalists and the general public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, stating, “Security is a collective effort. When you see something, say something. Information is crucial in crime prevention.”
She also encouraged residents to be familiar with their neighbours, emphasising the importance of community awareness. “Know who is around you. Be conscious of your environment. If you notice anything unusual, report it to the police,” she added.
In response, the Chairman of the Edo State NUJ, Dr Festus Alenkhe, assured the Commissioner of the media’s full support in the fight against crime. He proposed the establishment of a dedicated desk at the police headquarters to handle reports of rape and other related crimes, ensuring swift action against offenders.
Alenkhe also appealed to the Commissioner to grant a grace period of one to two weeks for motorists who are yet to renew their third-party auto insurance, following the recent enforcement of the policy by the police on 1st February 2025.
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