By Juliana Nwachukwu
The Area Commander of Onitsha Area Command, ACP Temitope Fasugba visited the Okpoko Police Headquarters as part of his familiarization tour of police divisions and formations under the command.
During the visit, ACP Fasugba met with officers and community stakeholders to assess the security situation in the area and listen to concerns raised by residents.
Addressing participants during the meeting, the Area Commander promised to discuss the removal of some nighttime checkpoints with the Divisional Police Officer of Okpoko, SP Okafor Austin Kenechi, following complaints from members of the community.
He also pledged to address the gender imbalance in the division by deploying more male officers and encouraged residents to motivate their children and wards to join the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking on community security initiatives, ACP Fasugba commended the efforts of Udogachi security operatives and the gated access points established across Okpoko.
He, however, stressed the need for all gates to remain properly manned to avoid obstructing emergency response vehicles, including police patrol teams, fire service personnel, and medical responders.
The Area Commander further reassured residents that the police would continue to supervise state security and enforcement agencies such as the OCHA Brigade, the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), and the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), to ensure their operations remain within the confines of the law.
He also promised to sustain regular meetings with stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and improve security coordination in the area.
Earlier in his remarks, the Okpoko Divisional Police Officer, SP Okafor Austin Kenechi, welcomed ACP Fasugba and described Okpoko as a densely populated community with an estimated population of about 600,000 people.
According to him, the area continues to face security and social challenges, including traffic congestion, touting, phone snatching, cult-related activities, and internet fraud.
He referenced the May 1 accident that occurred at Triangle Junction near Relief Market, which reportedly claimed two lives, and noted that collaboration between the police, Udogachi, and Agunechemba security groups had contributed significantly to reducing criminal activities despite inadequate manpower.
Community leaders present at the meeting, including Chief Ezeokafor Charles, President General of Okpoko; Mr. Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market; and Mr. Chukwuma Emmanuel Akika, Chairman of Ogbo Yoruba, Native and Religious Materials Market, welcomed the Area Commander and appealed for more support to strengthen security across the community.
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
