The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, has paid a condolence visit to the family of a fallen member of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Stanley Emenin, who was killed during a joint security operation to rescue a kidnapped farmer in Igbanke Community.
Agbonika, accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Innocent Nkeamatara, visited the bereaved family at Idumodu Community, Igbanke, on July 1, where he praised the late vigilante’s courage and sacrifice in the fight against kidnapping.
Emenin, 43, was fatally wounded during a bush-combing operation launched on June 26 by operatives of the Igbanke Police Division, the Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and members of the Community Safety Partnership following the abduction of 60-year-old farmer, Tuesday Osemeke.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim after a gun battle with the abductors, who fled into the bush with gunshot wounds. Emenin, however, sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and later died in hospital on June 29 despite efforts to save his life.
Describing the deceased as a hero, Agbonika said, “Stanley Emenin was a brave, selfless, and patriotic community protector whose courage and commitment to the safety of others will never be forgotten.”
The police commissioner conveyed the condolences of officers and men of the Edo State Police Command to the deceased’s family, friends and the Igbanke community, praying for the strength to bear what he described as an irreparable loss.
He assured the family that Emenin’s sacrifice would not be in vain, stressing that the command remained determined to rid Edo State of criminal elements.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Edo State of criminal elements,” Agbonika said, adding that the police had reviewed aspects of its Community Safety Partnership operational framework to strengthen collaboration, improve operational planning, enhance intelligence sharing, and introduce additional safety measures to reduce casualties among security personnel and community volunteers involved in joint operations.
The commissioner also urged members of community-based security groups to continue supporting lawful security operations, assuring them of the police command’s commitment to their welfare, safety and continuous capacity building.
The Edo State Police Command further disclosed that efforts had been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers responsible for the attack.
According to the command, the memory of Stanley Emenin will remain “a shining example of patriotism and selfless service” that will continue to inspire those dedicated to protecting lives and property across the state. #Securitynewsalert.com
