Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Wednesday, appealed to officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in the state to return to their duty posts.
Ugwuanyi made the appeal when he visited the command to commiserate with the force over the loss of lives, injuries sustained and destruction of property during the #EndSARS protests hijacked by hoodlums.
A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant, Louis Amoke, said the governor described the mayhem unleashed by miscreants and hoodlums as “an unusual and challenging period for the Police Force”.
According to him, it was needless and an ill-wind that blew no one any good.
“The self-evident low morale of the Police Force occasioned by the fallout of the #EndSARS protests has, in our judgment, increased the likelihood of crime in the state.
“I, therefore, passionately implore you to fully renew your commitment to the provision of security of lives and property in the state, as was the case before the protests.
“The good people of Enugu State had, before now, enjoyed your excellent policing service and wish that you come fully on stream and return to all the security posts in the state,” he said.
He added, “In our sensitivity to the mood and pains of the society under our watch, the state government has set up an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to determine the loss of lives and other damages.
“We have also taken time to inspect the various degrees and nature of damage arising from the hijacked protests.”
Ugwuanyi added that his administration earnestly awaited the recommendations of the panel, reiterating its commitment to implementing same with a view to soothing the pains of security personnel and civilians who were victims of the mayhem.
In his response, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmad Abdurrahman, thanked the governor for the solidarity and assured him that his men’s commitment to securing lives and properties.
(NAN)
