Residents and security stakeholders in Enugu have expressed concern over the growing number of homeless children and destitute persons in motor parks, warning that the trend is contributing to insecurity in parts of the state.
ENUGU – Residents and security stakeholders in Enugu State have expressed concern over the increasing number of homeless children and destitute persons occupying motor parks and public spaces, warning that the trend is worsening insecurity in parts of the state.
The concerns were raised on Thursday during a one-day Town Hall Meeting with Security Stakeholders organised by the Enugu Metropolis Area Command at the Enugu Sports Club.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives, students, women leaders, government officials, as well as leaders of the Hausa and Yoruba communities to discuss emerging security challenges across Enugu.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Security Officer of Enugu Terminal One, Holy Ghost Bus Terminal, Prince Chuks Nwomeh, said many homeless children and destitute persons now use the terminal as their sleeping place.
According to him, the development has become a major security concern, revealing that 17 suspects had already been apprehended at the terminal over alleged involvement in criminal activities.
Nwomeh also disclosed that some of the homeless persons had been found sleeping around the New Artisan Market along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, describing the situation as increasingly troubling.
Another participant, Mr. Felix Ogugbo, highlighted security concerns in the area between Centenary City and HELIU Estate, calling for the return of the Distress Response Squad (DRS) to improve security.
He also drew attention to reported criminal activities around the densely populated Amechi and Ugwuaji communities.
Similarly, the Secretary-General of the Cattle Dealers Association, Gariki New Market, Mr. Ali Ahmed, urged security agencies to strengthen collaboration with market leaders to identify and isolate criminal elements operating within cattle markets.
Stakeholders further appealed for enhanced security presence in Akwuke, Centenary City, Damija Under Bridge in Trans-Ekulu, Ugbo-Odogwu and other vulnerable communities across Enugu State.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Giwa, assured residents that the Police Command would continue to strengthen security through closer collaboration with community stakeholders and other security agencies.
He explained that the town hall meetings, conducted across the state’s area commands, were designed to obtain feedback from residents on police performance and identify emerging security threats.
According to the police commissioner, similar engagements had already been held in Udenu, Nsukka, Oji River and Agbani Area Commands before concluding with the Enugu Metropolis Area Command, which oversees about 30 police divisions.
“Whenever you are rendering services, there is a need for feedback. We want to know whether we have been doing our policing work well, where we need to improve, and whether there are emerging crimes that should be brought to our attention,” Giwa said.
He added that while stakeholders generally acknowledged improvements in policing, the command remained committed to doing more to improve public safety.
The commissioner stated that concerns falling outside the mandate of the police would be forwarded to the Enugu State Government through the State Security Council for appropriate action.
Giwa stressed that effective policing requires the active participation of communities, noting that the police cannot tackle insecurity alone because of manpower limitations.
He said the command would continue working closely with other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve crime prevention across the state.
On concerns about kidnapping and criminal activities around forested areas, the commissioner disclosed that the police were collaborating with forest guards recruited by both the Federal Government and the Enugu State Government.
He assured residents that ongoing security operations against criminal elements would continue, although operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons.
Addressing fears expressed by residents about assisting accident victims, Giwa assured the public that police authorities would protect good Samaritans who render humanitarian assistance.
He advised anyone who encounters difficulties after assisting accident victims to promptly report the matter to the nearest Divisional Police Officer or contact the Police Public Relations Officer.
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