By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr. Steve Yabanet has ordered the deployment of police personnel to all worship and event centres as well as crowded places across the state to check untoward incidents during the yuletide.

The Commissioner also ordered that all entry and exit points of the state be manned by police personnel to tighten up security in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene for the Commissioner.

According to SP Anene, the Commissioner issued the directive during the briefing of senior officers “where he ordered all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, to ensure that their areas of responsibility are properly secured.

“All officers of the Command were ordered to report on duty throughout the festive period as stop and search and  patrols have been beefed up to ensure a crime-free Christmas and New Year celebrations for Benue residents.

“The Commissioner of Police also ordered the deployment of personnel to all places of worship, event centers and any other crowded area.

“Residents are by this notice advised to notify the police about every event that will attract crowd to enable the police deploy resources for crowd control to avoid stampede and other crimes that may occur. 
“Also the ban on sale and unauthorized use of “knockout” or fireworks has also been emphasized by the commissioner. He further explains that this practice could create panic and enable criminals to commit crime and get away with it. Therefore parents and guidance are advised to warn thier children/wards to desist from using ‘knockout’.

While felicitating with residents on the festivities, the Commissioner urged the people of the state to be law abiding and report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station “or call
0806 600 6475, 0706 737 4913, 0805 749 3117.”