Gombe State bids farewell to the seasoned Police Commissioner, CP Oqua Etim, who retires from active duty after serving for 33 remarkable years. At the age of 60, CP Etim expresses his gratitude to God for his health and successful career.
During a valedictory reception held in his honor by the Gombe State Command, CP Etim shares his heartfelt appreciation for the people of the state. Having served as the 21st Commissioner of Police in Gombe State for almost a year, he considers himself a proud Gombe-Man.
Reflecting on the security challenges faced by Gombe State, CP Etim highlights the threat posed by the Kalare Boys and drug abuse, as well as the domestication of kidnapping in the state. He laments that kidnapping incidents often occur in remote areas without police presence, as they go unreported and are accepted as a norm.
However, CP Etim acknowledges the proactive measures taken by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to address the security concerns in the state. The governor’s focus is on creating employment opportunities for the youth, aiming to equip technical schools and skills acquisition centers to train and engage them in various industries, including the upcoming Kolmani Oil exploration.
CP Etim firmly believes that providing gainful employment to the youth would divert their attention from criminal activities towards legitimate sources of income, such as the oil exploration sector. He urges the people of Gombe State to actively contribute to maintaining peace and security by reporting any suspicious activities or security breaches they encounter in their communities.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, CP Etim stresses that strong relationships between different sectors of the community will enhance the overall security situation. He also addresses the issue of underfunding faced by the Nigeria Police, asserting that with better funding, a significant portion of the country’s challenges could be tackled effectively.
The retiring CP assures informants that their identities will be protected to prevent any form of victimization. He acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the public in providing useful information that has led to successful operations by the police.
The farewell Parade, representing Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, who commends CP Etim for his dedication in keeping Gombe State safe. The governor urges CP Etim to remain connected to Gombe State and continue using his expertise to contribute to peace and security.
Furthermore, Governor Yahaya appreciates the collaboration of traditional and religious leaders in working closely with the security agencies to maintain security in the state. He urges all stakeholders to prepare for potential security challenges that may arise due to the Kolmani Oil exploration, Manto Tomato Paste Factory, and the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park.
With a united front and steadfast determination, Gombe State aims to sustain its achievements in maintaining security and peace.
