The Ondo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to professionalism, fairness and the protection of the rights of all residents, regardless of their ethnic background, following a recent viral stop and search video involving some police officers on the Lagos Benin Expressway.
The assurance was given on Monday by the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, during a solidarity visit by members of the Non Indigenes Assembly, Ondo State Chapter, to the State Police Headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure.
The delegation, led by the President of the assembly, Mr Okita Isaac Onahi, and the Secretary, Hon Uche Anthony, said they were at the command headquarters to commend the police commissioner for ordering a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which they described as a demonstration of transparency, accountability and commitment to justice.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Onahi and Anthony praised the command for promptly identifying the officers involved and initiating an investigation into the matter.
They expressed confidence that the probe would be impartial and conducted in line with the disciplinary procedures of the Nigeria Police Force, adding that the swift response had strengthened the confidence of the Igbo community and other non indigenes in the fairness of the command.
Responding, Ohagwu thanked the delegation for the visit and their continued support for the command’s efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
He assured them that the ongoing investigation would be carried out without fear or favour, stressing that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law and the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence among residents irrespective of ethnic, religious or cultural affiliations.
He urged members of the public to refrain from making inflammatory comments capable of causing disunity and encouraged residents to continue supporting the police with credible information to enhance public safety.
Ohagwu further assured residents that the Ondo State Police Command would continue to uphold professionalism, accountability and community oriented policing in the discharge of its responsibilities.