Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, the new Commissioner of  Police  in Ondo State,  has warned criminals to stay away from the state or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

Adeyanju gave the warning on Tuesday in Akure at a handover ceremony held at the State Command.

The new commissioner, who said that it was usual for citizens  to express apprehension about upsurge in criminal activities in the ember months, expressed the resolve of the command to ensure adequate security during the period.

“Conscious of this, we are resolutely determined to allay such fears  by insulating the state against any form of illegalities during this period and even beyond.

“To this end, we shall put in place  robust security strategies to curb any form of nefarious activities.

“We are reading the riot act to criminals or potential criminals to stay away from this state or be ready to face the wrath of the law, “Adeyanju said.

The police boss, however,  solicited  media  support to ensure balanced reportage  of events  and  ensuring peace and stability in the state.

“I am not asking you to shield us or jettison professionalism in the course of reporting events,   but as much as you are free to draw attention to our shortcomings  when necessary, we expect you to also show our positive sides when the need arises,’’ he said.

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Adeyanju, who noted that the constitution places protection of lives and properties  within the purview of   the police, said “we still require collaboration of all stakeholders to succeed in this task.’’

“The media owe  it a duty to educate the general public about the civic responsibility of supporting the police to reduce crime to the barest minimum by giving adequate information to security agencies,” he said.

Adeyanju promised the public to use such information with utmost confidentiality.

Earlier, Mrs Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, the outgoing Commissioner of Police, had expressed appreciation  to Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, police officers, media  and the people of the state for their contributions toward the success of the command.

“I want to thank everyone, especially the state governor, people and the government, for their great contributions toward the  success of the police command in the state.

“I can assure you that the new commissioner of police is going to do better than I have done in the state by the grace of God, “she said.

Ibifuro-Harrison, however, called on the people of the state to continue to give  the police relevant information to discharge their duties accordingly.

(Source: NAN)