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By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
As Kogi State prepares to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has called on residents to partner with the Police and other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, safe and crime-free Yuletide season.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Police Command, Kogi State CSP William Ovye Aya on Saturday and a copy available to The Reporters.
The Commissioner made the call ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, urging citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding as social and religious activities increase across the state.
According to CP Kankarofi, security is a collective responsibility, stressing that timely information from members of the public remains critical to preventing crime.
He advised residents to be cautious of strangers loitering around homes, business premises and public spaces, and to promptly report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station or through police control room channels.
The Police boss , however,warned against illegal gatherings, cult-related activities and reckless conduct, noting that the festive atmosphere must not be used as an excuse to disrupt public peace,emphasizing that anyone found engaging in criminal behaviour would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
On road safety, CP Kankarofi urged travellers to drive responsibly during the festive rush.
He advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, obey traffic rules, avoid picking up strangers, inform family members of travel routes, and watch out for pedestrians,particularly children and the elderly.
The Commissioner further encouraged communities to activate neighbourhood watch arrangements, work closely with community leaders and Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members, and enhance vigilance at the grassroots.
He also advised residents not to leave their homes unattended, to install security lighting where possible, and to notify neighbours when travelling out of town.
Commending the people of Kogi State for their resilience and law-abiding nature, the CP expressed confidence that with simple preventive measures, lives and property would be protected throughout the festive season and beyond.
“Let this Christmas be a season of hope, peace and security. “When communities and the Police unite, crime is prevented before it happens,”he said,
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