Enugu Residents Worried About Rising Homeless Children and Destitute People

Residents and security officials in Enugu State are worried about the increasing number of homeless children and destitute people at motor parks across the state. This concern came up on Thursday during a town hall meeting at the Enugu Sports Club, organized by the Enugu Metropolis Area Command.

The meeting brought together various groups, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, student and youth representatives, and government officials.

Chuks Nwomeh, the Chief Security Officer of Enugu Terminal One at the Holy Ghost Bus Terminal, said many destitute people, especially children, use the terminal for shelter. Mr Nwomeh pointed out that this is a big security issue, revealing that 17 people from this group have been arrested for suspected criminal activities. He also mentioned that similar problems occur at the New Artisan Market along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

Other attendees pointed out specific security weaknesses. Felix Ogugbo mentioned the danger on the road between Centenary City and HELIU Estate. He called for the Distress Response Squad to be restored in that area. He also noted an increase in crime in the crowded Amechi and Ugwuaji communities.

Ali Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Cattle Dealers Association at Gariki New Market, urged security agencies to work more closely with market leaders. This would help find criminals operating in cattle markets more effectively.

The stakeholders also asked for better security in Akwuke, Centenary City, Damija Under Bridge in Trans-Ekulu, and Ugbo-odogwu.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, promised residents that they will keep working hard to improve security. He emphasized the need for better collaboration with community members and other security agencies.

Mr Giwa explained that the town hall meetings are meant to gather direct feedback about police work and new security threats. "Whenever you are rendering services, there is a need for feedback," Mr Giwa said. "We want to know whether we have been doing our policing work well, where we need to improve, and whether there are emerging crimes that should be brought to our attention."

The commissioner noted that issues raised by participants that are outside the police’s job will be shared with the state government through the State Security Council. He stressed that effective policing needs a partnership between law enforcement and the community, admitting that the current police force cannot cover every area by itself.

On the issue of kidnapping and insecurity in forest areas, Mr Giwa mentioned that the command is working closely with forest guards hired by the federal and state governments.

He also addressed concerns about the safety of "good Samaritans" who help accident victims. He assured residents that police will protect those offering humanitarian help. He advised such individuals to quickly inform their local Divisional Police Officer or reach out to the police public relations officer if they face any issues.