Rivers
Police, Red Cross Strengthen Partnership Against Insecurity In Ikwerre
The Nigeria Police Force has agreed with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to intensify collaboration aimed at enhancing emergency response and humanitarian service delivery in Ikwerre Local Government Area, amid rising security concerns in the area.
The Area Commander of Isiokpo Area Command, Mr. Ojiaku Felix, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the Ikwerre Division of the Society during an advocacy visit to his office in Isiokpo.
Felix noted that the role of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in community support and emergency response remains critical, particularly during crises when timely intervention can save lives and provide relief to affected persons.
He described the visit as timely, stressing that the Area Command is currently grappling with a range of security challenges, including alleged herdsmen activities, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
According to him, addressing these threats requires a multi-stakeholder approach, adding that security agencies alone cannot effectively tackle the complexities of modern security challenges without the support of humanitarian organisations.
He commended the Ikwerre Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society for its consistent contributions to community development and emergency interventions across the area.
The Area Commander further expressed readiness to build a strong partnership with the Society, particularly in areas where security operations intersect with humanitarian assistance.
Earlier, the Divisional Coordinator of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ikwerre Division, Apostle Blessing Ukpabi, said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger ties with critical stakeholders in humanitarian service delivery.
Ukpabi noted that the Police remain a key partner in ensuring access to vulnerable communities, especially during emergencies and crisis situations.
She appreciated the warm reception accorded her team, describing it as a demonstration of the Police Command’s commitment to collaborative service.
The Coordinator assured that the Red Cross would continue to work closely with the Police in areas such as first aid training, disaster response, and community-based humanitarian programmes.
She expressed confidence that enhanced synergy between both organisations would not only improve response capacity, but also contribute significantly to peace, safety, and resilience in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Esuuk-Awaji Oyet