By Nnamani Arinze Darlington
On the 22nd of August, the new Enugu State Police Commissioner, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu flagged off the State Government’s pilot phase of the Distress Response Squad (DRS), preparatory to the commissioning of the full scheme to comprise a Command and Control Centre (already under construction), with the Governor saying that 100 patrol vehicles equipped with high definition surveillance cameras, will be ready in a couple of months.
Since the introduction and implementation of the squad, we have witnessed the gradual return of nightlife in Enugu State. Enugu is known to be the capital of the Southeast region, and also doubles as the center of tourism in the region. But the hitherto comatose state of security in the state made it fall to the verge of becoming a ghost of its former self, with the residents retiring to their various homes on or before 8 p.m. every day. Most times, the streets are deserted before 9 p.m. However, with the introduction of the state’s Distress Response Squad, we have begun to witness a busy city at night in Enugu. It is gradual, but encouraging. .
However, it is evident that Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has made the security of lives and properties a priority for his administration by making sure security personnel and their patrol vehicles are well-funded and supported by the government. News has it that hundreds of patrol vehicles usually come to the state’s Government House to get their vehicles filled with fuel to ensure effective monitoring and movement of security agencies protecting the state.
The governor has rejuvenated the security architecture of the state that had long been on ICU. He has made Enugu trend in a positive light and has brought back confidence to the people by providing security to the lives and properties of Enugu residents, which is one of the basic pillars of governance.
Most socialites who go out to unwind at night at the various clubs and bars in the capital city stopped doing that due to the fear of being kidnapped at Bissala Road or being robbed at Agbani Road, and other areas of the metropolis. Is it to talk of the incessant phone and car theft that had become almost a recurring event at night in Enugu? Hitherto. the people could no longer sleep with their eyes closed for fear of being victims of security mishaps. A lot happened and the whole Enugu security system suffered.
With the launch of the Distress Response Squad by Governor Mbah, it is clear that insecurity will be reduced to its barest minimum in Enugu, and will be eradicated in the long run. The public should know that with a quick call to the DRS emergency number, 117, it is assured that anyone in distress will get immediate help and rescued by the fearless, tactical, and ever-ready squad in Enugu.
The governor is working on procuring more vehicles for the DRS, but in the meantime, the squad will continue to answer to any distress emergencies in the city, keep the residents safe, and ensure that the fear of insecurity ends in the state. Governor Mbah’s plan to tighten security in Enugu, and create a conducive environment for living and for businesses to thrive is a practical and commendable plan. Now, it is safe to say it’s time for Enugu economy to thrive.
