My Interest in the Ayilamo Police Division – IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has stated that his interest in the newly created divisional police offices across the country—particularly the Ayilamo Division—is to enhance the security of lives and property in the area.

He disclosed this when members of the Tombo Community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State visited him at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi to thank him for approving the creation of a police division in Ayilamo, the community’s headquarters.

The visit evoked the biblical concept of thanksgiving as captured in Luke 17:17, where Jesus Christ highlighted the significance of gratitude after healing ten lepers, only one of whom returned to give thanks.

Although it remains unclear whether other communities that benefited from similar approvals have expressed their appreciation, the gesture by the people of Tombo stands out as a worthy example—unlike the nine lepers whom Jesus asked, “Where are the nine?” For the people of Logo, thanksgiving was the best way to show appreciation for the upgrading of the Ayilamo Police Station to a Divisional Headquarters.

Traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders of the community assembled at the Command Headquarters in Makurdi for the event.

Thanksgiving, they noted, adds value to community development. The visit, in turn, encouraged the police authorities to reaffirm their commitment to the early take-off of the new division for enhanced security and better protection of lives and property in the area.

Representing the IGP, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Dr. Ifeanyi Emenari, said, “I always look out for what is happening in Benue State.”

He continued, “When you say that the Commissioner of Police facilitated the approval for upgrading the Ayilamo Police Station to a Divisional Headquarters, I must tell you that it is not the Commissioner of Police—and I’m serious about that.”

According to him, the two prominent persons who pushed for the upgrade were Governor Hyacinth Alia and his Deputy, Sam Ode. “We are on the same page,” he said.

Dr. Emenari explained that he only recommended the upgrade, while the IGP—who has the final authority—approved it. “In fact,” he added, “not just the final authority but the only authority for such approval is the Inspector General of Police. When I gave my reasons, he saw them and agreed with me.”

The CP recalled that the IGP had visited Benue twice in the past four months in response to violent attacks on Yelwata and other communities.

He noted that since the IGP’s last visit, peace had gradually returned. “Security and peace are being restored. I can say that we have achieved more than eighty percent success in improving the state’s security.”

The IGP attributed the success to collective effort, stressing that “if you are not doing your part—encouraging your youths to understand that security is everyone’s business—it would be difficult to make progress, because we alone cannot perform any magic.”

Commending the IGP for providing manpower, logistics, and moral support to tackle insecurity, Dr. Emenari recalled:

“When I first visited Tombo in my first or second week in Benue State, everywhere was still tense. I was told that many people had been displaced for over ten years and could not return to their farms or ancestral homes. It was pathetic, but we thank God that some of those stories are now changing.”

He added: “We are achieving results because of your cooperation and useful information. I thank you for the support. When Hon. Benjamin Uzenda told me that people from Logo wanted to visit, I discouraged him because of the distance, but he said they insisted on coming.”

Expressing gratitude on behalf of the IGP, the CP said, “It motivates us when people appreciate the work we are doing for their wellbeing. We will keep doing our best, and the division will take off sooner than expected.”

According to him, “By God’s grace, all the divisions are awaiting the posting of Area Commanders from Force Headquarters. I am sure that before this month ends—or early next month—the IGP will act on it. Once we get the necessary logistics, we will post all the 2ICs to the area commands for take-off.”

The Commissioner revealed that he had already directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police to recommend and post officers to the division. However, he said one or two logistics requirements were still outstanding, causing delays in the division’s take-off.

He explained that the Command could not post a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to Ayilamo without an operational vehicle and a perimeter fence, which is crucial to prevent the station from becoming a soft target for criminals. “Without a fence, our personnel could become easy prey. With proper fencing, access can be controlled, and criminals can be spotted and repelled,” he stated.

Another challenge, according to him, is accommodation for officers. He urged the community to provide residential quarters and treat the personnel fairly to foster cooperation.

Dr. Emenari also assured that he would discuss with Governor Alia the need to support the division’s logistics and establish a police marine unit to patrol the nearby waterways.

In his remarks, the District Head of Tombo, His Royal Highness Chief Samuel Tar Tokper, who spoke on behalf of the community, said the upgrade of the Ayilamo Police Station to a divisional headquarters had gladdened the hearts of his people. He noted that the development would reduce insecurity and improve the wellbeing of residents.

Regarding logistics, the traditional ruler assured that the community would make tangible efforts to meet the requirements and sustain cooperation with the police for a smooth take-off and continued operations to ensure the safety of all.