From Wole Balogun, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State Police Commissioner, CP Wilson Inalegwu, has dismissed the fear of Boko Haram presence in the state.
He explained that the deployment of heavy security operatives in the state was in response to the emerging security challenges in the state.
Inalegwu made the clarification while receiving the team of Security Watch Africa (SWA) led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Security Watch broadcasting programme on the African Independent Television, (AIT), Mr. Patrick Agbambu, and his colleague, Mr. Shina Philips, a security watch International assessor.
The police had three weeks ago deployed about 200 additional mobile police officers in the state, creating panic among the populace.
While receiving the award of the Most Outstanding Urban Security Chief in West Africa given to him by SWA, CP Inalegwu dismissed the fear in some quarters that the heavy presence of policemen at strategic points in the state was in response to the alleged infiltration of Boko Haram members into the South-west and also for political reasons ahead of Ekiti State gubernatorial election in June, 2018.
He said: “I asked for more officers from the Inspector General of Police and he graciously granted the request. The step is not driven by any political reason but for us to properly ensure there is security.
“Nobody asked me to ask for more police. It was my request and my assessment was not based on any political consideration.”
Further allaying the fear of Boko Haram presence in the state, he added: “Boko Haram is not yet in Ekiti. We haven’t got such information either through intelligence or other means.
“If we have had Boko Haram infiltration, we would have known. I advise all our people to let us know if there is such in the state.”