The Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State, Anthonia Uche-Anya, has pledged to partner with journalists to safeguard the state.
The Commissioner of Police made this known after receiving members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in the state in her office at the police headquarters on Thursday.
The journalists were led by their chairman, Uchenna Inya.
Uche-Anya condemned assaults on some teenagers and a journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta by some members of the public and some policemen on duty.
She described journalists and policemen as partners in progress in the task of securing the nation through effective policing and information dissemination.
She implored journalists to be investigative and objective in their reportage.
The police boss frowned at the assault on two teenage girls in Ngbom, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the state who were stripped naked and flogged for stealing chicken and ordered that the suspects who are in police custody be prosecuted.
“How can you naked two secondary school girls and treat them like common criminals? These are young girls and they were flogged mercilessly because they stole chicken when people committed heinous crimes and were not treated like this.
“The suspects are already in our custody. We are making efforts to get the families and others so that they can give evidence in court because matters like this, people are usually reluctant or afraid to give evidence. Once we are done, the suspects will be prosecuted,” she stated.
She also condemned the attack on online TV broadcast journalist in the state, Chinedu Ngwuta by a policeman attached to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru after a road walk organised by her and directed that the matter be investigated.
Uche-Anya promised a hitch-free yuletide period in the state and urged members of the public to report criminal activities and the elements to the police for prompt action.
Earlier, Uchenna Inya, lauded the Commissioner of Police for peace in the state and urged her to ensure that Ebonyi remains safe.
He explained that the courtesy visit will strengthen the relationship between the police and the press as partners in progress and urged policemen not to see journalists as enemies.
