In a short while, the zone 16 police command headquarters located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will be relocated to a permanent site. Land for the purpose has already been donated by the governor, Senator Douye Diri.
But the governor has told the police high command, including the Assistant Inspector-General, AIG, for the zone, Johnson Adenola, to reconsider the idea of road blocks in and around the state.
The governor’s position came amidst grumbling by citizens about road blocks by policemen, which have now become revenue points for the policemen on duty. Between Rivers and Bayelsa, there is hardly any one kilometre that the policemen are not found.
At the check points, the policemen are in the habit of extorting drivers, particularly the commercial drivers. It is worse on major market days, including Tuesdays that the Mbiama market holds.
From Mbiama, Rivers State, to Igbogene where Bayelsa State begins, there are scores of checkpoints mounted by policemen. Even at Mbiama junction, the policemen are there, harassing and extorting motorists.
During the visit, Diri expressed his displeasure on the issue. He even advised the police to adopt non kinetic crime prevention approach, rather than go about chasing criminals after the deed had been done.
His words: “It has been five years since you have been operating from your temporary office, which was provided by the state government. Your request for land is hereby granted.
“I direct the commissioner for lands and survey and the secretary to the state government to liaise with the zone to allocate a befitting land to the command in Yenagoa.”
He thanked the new AIG for acknowledging the concerns he raised with his predecessor, particularly on the issue of multiple road blocks on the highways, and expressed the optimism that the command will address the challenges.
“Listening to you, clearly you have come hitting the ground running. You are already aware about my concerns as indicated in your speech that l am averse to police road blocks. Every 50 metres, there is a checkpoint and yet these police road blocks do not check crime and criminality. I am glad we have an AIG who is not going to be part of road blocks.”
He urged security agencies to adopt a non-kinetic approach through intelligence gathering to tackle security issues as security was everybody’s responsibility.
Diri stated that his administration had deployed the use of technology through the installation of close circuit television cameras in major parts of the city as well as drones to curb crime in the state.
“For me, it is better to avert crime than to go about carrying guns to look for criminals. Let us use more of intelligence and technology.”
Earlier, Mr. Johnson Adenola said he assumed office last month as the 11th AIG Zone 16 and expressed appreciation to the state government for its support to the command. He assured the governor of his loyalty and commitment to enhancing security in the state.
