Usman Baba, the Inspector General of Police, has ordered law enforcement officials in the state of Ebonyi to take prompt action to put a halt to the ongoing burning of Independent National Electoral Commission offices.

 According to news media, Baba gave the order on Friday in Abakaliki while addressing personnel of the force as part of activities marking his visit to the state.

He exhorted the staff to take all necessary precautions to safeguard INEC facilities and other stately public buildings.

“The mode of attack by these hoodlums is complex because they throw bombs and dynamites, among others, from distances.

“We believe that in addition to providing physical security at the INEC offices, you should liaise with its officials to provide offices for our personnel,” he said.

The IG also advised INEC to consider relocating its offices or important materials to safer places.

He said, “Existing INEC offices across the state should be relocated to safer places if possible but if not, important materials should be relocated to safer places.

“I appreciate all your efforts to protect lives and property in Ebonyi and the various forms of assistance by the state government to the force.”

The IG also proposed to the state government to allow the police to supervise and regulate activities of Ebubeagu Security outfit.

“There is a law establishing the outfit and I am sure that its responsibilities fall under the supervision of the police.

“There is no problem with the outfit wearing uniforms because even community police officers wear uniforms.

“They must, however, have a proper means of identification and it should be reiterated that the task of policing is everyone’s business,” he said.

The state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Garba, thanked the IGP for the visit, saying it boosted the morale of his men.

“We promise to redouble our efforts in securing the lives and property of the citizens,” he said. NAN