By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin
The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase, on Saturday said road blocks set up by the police, on highways across the country, would not curb the rising spate of crime across the country.
Arase, who spoke at a reception organized for him by the Ora people in Owan West local government area of Edo State in recognition of his elevation to the position of IGP, noted that roadblocks on highways are mere avenues that create social friction between law enforcement agents and members of the public.
“Road block is not a panacea to curb crime. It is an avenue that creates social friction between us and members of the public,” he said.
The police chief was only restating a position he took as soon as he assumed office when he ordered the dismantling of roadblocks across the country mounted by policemen.
He said the implementation of strategies on police reforms was being perfected.
The IGP also vowed that he would continue his clampdown on cultists and their activities across the country, adding that he had no apology on his actions on cultism in Edo State.
“I have dealt with cultists in Edo and Kogi and I will continue to deal with them. No country can eradicate crime but we can make crime tolerable. We are going to remove police orderlies from politicians. It is an ongoing thing,” he said.
Arase appealed to youths to imbibe the spirit of endurance, positive ambition and contentment as only through such could make them enviable role models and great achievers whose lives would be as worthy as his
He said when youths are without these ideals, their communities will remain perpetually endangered and threatened with serious social disorders like kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism reigning.
He called on parents to join hands in the restoring the dwindling discipline, moral standard and academic passion of the youths.
In his goodwill message, the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said Nigeria needs people like Arase to drive the change that President Muhammadu Buhari had promised.
He said this would secure the country so that people can go about their businesses without hindrance.
He expressed confidence that the IGP possessed the required skills to deal with the challenges in the Nigeria Police.
He described IGP as a man of very unique ability and one who represents the finest qualities of the Edo man.