URR police commissioner refutes Fatoto curfew report

 11 November 2009

Ebrima Cham, the police commissioner for Upper River Region, has refuted claims by a recent Foroyaa newspaper report that a curfew was imposed on the people of Fatoto in Kantora District.

According to him, the prime function of the police  is the prevention of lives and properties by intensifying patrols anytime of the day or night. He  added that at night, during odd hours while on patrol, anyone found loitering around shopping areas on suspicion of illegal intention, will be arrested and questioned by the police. 

This clarification was made during a security sensitisation and community policing meeting held in Garawol, which gathered security service heads in the area, alkalos, chiefs and a cross section of the community. Other relevant issues were also highlighted;  including traffic, theft and related offences, fire arms, community policing, immigration issues, patrols and a host of other issues. Police Commissioner Cham assured that the police will not relent in their efforts in combating crime, adding that patrol will continue in the region.

He then informed the gathering to always inform the police of any theft and related offences.  “Also, drug users must not be harboured,” he said. Cham further warned the alkalos to also ensure that animals are not slaughtered for sale without their notice. This he indicated is in their bid to reduce cattle rustling. Regarding the issue of fire arms, he reminded the people to always note that people must get a valid licence to operate such arms and that  it is not transferable to another user.

On immigration matters, Cham reminded the alkalos to warn landlords to register their alien tenants with the Immigration Department and also to monitor their activities. “It is dangerous to harbour aliens whose activities are unknown. Some immigrants could be detriment to the peace and tranquillity of the nation as some of them are from war-torn countries and could be criminal in nature,” he warned. He also reminded the alkalos and the community to be also mindful of people in possession of dangerous weapons which could be later used for criminal activities.  

In response, the alkalos expressed delight for  being part of such an important meeting, saying the meeting is timely. They equally urged the security officers to conduct such meetings more frequently and keep up the momentum. The alkalos in unison also condemned in strongest terms, the false information regarding the said curfew imposed on the people of Fatoto, noting that the information is baseless.

Author: by Sheriff Barry in Basse URR

Source: Daily Observer