THE Ikale World Congress (IWC), a US based non-political organisation, has advised the Nigeria Police to invest in community relations as part of effort at harnessing cooperation and close liaison with the people.The congress made the assertion in a press statement issued in Lagos during the week by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Tunji Ogunmola, and made available to the Community News.Condemning the killing of two okada riders allegedly by the police in Okitipupa, Ondo State recently, the IWC attributed the incident to lack of cordial relationship between the police and the public.It implored the police to take steps towards ensuring that the safety of the people and also ensure that individuals with questionable character were not made law enforcement agents over defenceless citizens.The statement read in parts, 'the attention of the Ikale World Congress has been drawn to an incident that occurred on October 13, in which two lives were lost in Okitipupa, Ondo State, consequent upon the alleged discharge of firearms by policemen on foot patrol and also at a nearby station.'We sympathise with the families of those who lost their loved ones. Our hearts also go out in sympathy to the hardworking police officers who work their beats diligently, putting their lives in danger on a daily basis on behalf of our people in Ikaleland.'These officers deserve our respect and cooperation at all times."This unfortunate incident underscored the need for professionalism in the Nigeria Police evidenced in sound judgment on the part of officers and respect for the sanctity of human lives."We call on the Nigeria Police in Okitipupa and Irele Council areas to work diligently in ridding its ranks of officers with questionable characters in order for the Force to effectively meet the enormous task of today's unusual security challenges."The Police must also invest in community relation efforts in close liaison with the local government authorities and traditional rulers to harness cooperation and feedback from our people on an ongoing basis."While calling for thorough investigations into the alleged killing, the congress urged residents of Ikaleland to join hands with the police in maintaining peace, law and order at all times.'In whatever enterprise you find yourself, it is important to remember that no one is above the law and no one has the authority to take the laws into his hand.'We also recognize the efforts of the Police in Community Policing of Okitipupa and Irele local governments, ridding these communities of armed robbers, kidnappers and other criminals who pose the real threat to the lives and properties of our people.'We hope that the recent incident is an isolated case and we therefore urge the Police not to relent in its efforts to protect lives and properties in Ikaleland.
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