The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has dismissed two of its officers over alleged aiding and abetting of cultism in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, disclosed this when he paid a courtesy visit on the Speaker, Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Hon. Onofiok Luke, in Uyo on Tuesday.
Ogunjemilusi disclosed that the dismissed officers would be prosecuted with other arrested suspected cultists.
He called on the State House of Assembly to impose stiffer penalties on cultism in Akwa Ibom, by reviewing the relevant laws.
He also appealed to the lawmakers to support the police in ending criminal activities, under the guise of cultism.
“We have caught two police officers, we have dismissed them and we are prosecuting them.
“The Akwa Ibom Police command under my leadership is resolute to dismantle cultism and contain its spread in the state.
“We are determined to confront violent crimes headlong, put an end to senseless killings amongst our youths and stamp out criminality in all forms.
“I would like to call on this honourable house to review the state law against cultism, imposed stiffer penalties and create special programmes to reform the youths,’’ he said.
He said the command would soon begin a clamp down on vehicles without number plates.
He requested for the provision of patrol vehicles, gun boats, communication gadgets and equipment to aid police investigations.
He said, “I am particularly concerned with the level of development of our youths with negative impact on peace and security.
“The youths represent the future and this great assembly cannot afford to stand aloof and watch the youths waste away.
“You can stand with the Nigeria Police, to bring an end to criminal activities under the guise of cultism.
“Non use of number plates or covering of number plates are unlawful. They facilitate crimes and hinder investigations.
“I therefore plead for the cooperation of all honourable members and government officials to ensure that their number plates are in place.
“The command will start to impound all vehicles without number plates.”
In his response, the Speaker commended the Police Commissioner for his quick response to security issues and community policing in the state.
He condemned the rise of cultism in the state and said anyone caught, no matter how highly placed, should be prosecuted.
“We are here to work for the peace, security, and lives of the Akwa Ibom people.
“We can achieve that through good governance, and our responsibility here is to legislate for the peace, order and security of lives and properties.
“We will not act in any way that will hinder you from achieving that core mandate of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Police Act.
“We share with you the concern on the rise of cultism in the state. We condemn it in its totality,’’ Luke said. (NAN)
