In a decisive move to strengthen local security, the Commissioner of Police for the Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, visited the Isuikwuato Area Command on September 30, 2026, as part of the ongoing Command Community Safety Partnership.
The visit commenced with a courtesy call to the Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, where both leaders emphasized the critical need for collaboration in achieving lasting security. During the meeting, Mayor Ekeke commended the Commissioner for his proactive approach, humility, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the region.
Following the courtesy visit, CP Afolabi led a major stakeholder engagement involving representatives from the Isuochi, Uzuakoli, Igbere, Bende, Uturu, Mbala, and Nneato Divisions. The high-profile gathering was attended by Mayor Ekeke; Hon. Deacon Uwabunkonye Bassey, Mayor of Bende (representing the Abia North Mayors); Hon. Mazi Ibekwe Nnamdi, Member of the State House of Assembly representing the Bende Constituency; as well as traditional rulers, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members, Hausa community leaders, farmers, herders, and various women and youth groups.
The dialogue addressed pressing community security challenges, including farmer-herder clashes, incidences of jungle justice, poor community sensitization, the activities of scrap dealers facilitating theft, and operational hurdles such as manpower and logistics deficits.
Addressing these concerns, CP Afolabi assured attendees that while legitimate businesses would remain unhindered, individuals aiding criminal activities would face the full wrath of the law. He urged the public to proactively volunteer intelligence to law enforcement. To foster lasting peace, the Commissioner directed the initiation of monthly dialogues between farmers and herders.
He also outlined plans to mitigate manpower gaps by collaborating with community security outfits and sister agencies. To boost visibility in rural areas, he announced the introduction of motorbike patrols and noted that local vigilantes will be co-opted into ongoing police training programs to enhance their professionalism and efficiency.
The security tour concluded with a strategic visit to the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, focusing on strengthening security frameworks within the academic institution and its surrounding host communities.
Click here to read the press release from the Abia State Police Command.
