Sports Critical To Crime Prevention, Police/Community Relations – Abia CP

Abia State commissioner of police, Mustapha Bala, has said sports is critical to crime prevention, peace, unity and deepening of police/community relations in the country.

Bala while speaking to newsmen in his office in Umuahia after the final of civilian/police football tournament for for Isuikwuato Police Area Command, said the tournament was based on the vision of the Nigeria Police for improved police/community relations just as it would become an annual event with the support of the command.

He said: “Having realised how the tournament went to further cement the relations in the area, I want to assure you of my personal commitment to the success of the subsequent editions.”

He, therefore, commended the organiser of the tournament and area commander, ACP Ebipamowei Okoyen, for the success of the tournament which produced many budding talents.

The commander said each team consisted of civilians and police players in the six police divisions in the three local governments that make up the area with the divisional police officers as team managers.

Okoyen said; “The tournament which was among Mbala, Isuochi, Bende, Uzuakoli, Isuikwuato, and Uturu police divisions was a harvest of many positive developments and prospects.”

Team Mbala defeated Team Uzuakoli by 7-6 goals in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0 at full time, while Team Isuikwuato won the third place. Many prizes were won by the players and teams.