Gombe: Curbing Tumfure, Akko increasing spate of crime – Investigation
…… we’re on top of the situation – CP
By Khadija Batu
The rate at which criminal activities have engulfed Tumfure community residents say is disturbing and needs a special operation to curb the menace.
In an interview, with one of the victims, Mrs blessing, who resides around ECWA Galilee behind kasuwa Gwari, said her house and shop were burgled four times, in a month.
“We reported to the Divisional Police post in the area, but no positive outcome yet,” Blessing said during the interview.
Based on investigations conducted by this paper complaints ranges from stealing of car batteries, phone snatching, and house breaking.
Some areas identified as target points include; Labour, Investment quarters, Yawunde (water side), Madi area and behind NTA axis.
Perpetrators usually carry out the crimes with both sophisticated and locally produced arms, which include; axe, cutlass and machetes, to scare their victims or hurt them whenever anyone refused to cooperate with them.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent Commissioner of Police Gombe State Command, CP Oqua Etim, explained that he and his men were on top of the situation, adding that arrests have been made towards curbing their excesses.
He said, “I am ware of the situation, and me and my men are trying our possible best to make sure that we ensure the safety of lives and property of the members of the community in Tumfure and Gombe state at large.”
Etim disclosed that some operations have been carried out by Tumfure Divisional Police Station, adding that the outcome was applauded, “because some suspect were apprehended and undergoing thorough investigation,while few are at large but the police are still in search of their hideout because there’s no room for a criminal to hide under his jurisdiction,” he said.
While calling on members of the community, traditional leaders, parents to collaborate with the command, stressing the need for confidence building.
The CP said, “They should start having confidence in the Police men, see them as part of the community so that the trust gap between members of the public and police will be bridged. The public should also help in giving them full support ,by giving them a hint or information on certain occurrence, that can give them a positive lead to ease the process, while investigating on their complaints.”
Etim expressed optimism with the anticipated collaboration, saying if achieved would help the command attain the desired impact adding that, “It will help in possible ways to cut down the rate of criminal acts in the community.”
