Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, the new Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, has warned criminals to stay away from the state or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Adeyanju gave the warning on Tuesday in Akure at a handover ceremony held at the State Command.

The new commissioner, who said that it was usual for citizens to express apprehension about upsurge in criminal activities in the ember months, expressed the resolve of the command to ensure adequate security during the period.

“Conscious of this, we are resolutely determined to allay such fears by insulating the state against any form of illegalities during this period and even beyond.

“To this end, we shall put in place robust security strategies to curb any form of nefarious activities.

“We are reading the riot act to criminals or potential criminals to stay away from this state or be ready to face the wrath of the law, “Adeyanju said.

The police boss, however, solicited media support to ensure balanced reportage of events and ensuring peace and stability in the state.

“I am not asking you to shield us or jettison professionalism in the course of reporting events, but as much as you are free to draw attention to our shortcomings when necessary, we expect you to also show our positive sides when the need arises,” he said.

Adeyanju, who noted that the constitution places protection of lives and properties within the purview of the police, said “we still require collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed in this task.”

“The media owe it a duty to educate the general public about the civic responsibility of supporting the police to reduce crime to the barest minimum by giving adequate information to security agencies,” he said.

Adeyanju promised the public to use such information with utmost confidentiality.

Earlier, Mrs Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, had expressed appreciation to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, police officers, media and the people of the state for their contributions toward the success of the command.

“I want to thank everyone, especially the state governor, people and the government, for their great contributions toward the success of the police command in the state.

“I can assure you that the new commissioner of police is going to do better than I have done in the state by the grace of God,” she said.

Ibifuro-Harrison, however, called on the people of the state to continue to give the police relevant information to discharge their duties accordingly. (NAN)

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