The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daor, has pledged to make respect for citizens and improved police responsiveness key priorities as he assumes command of the state.
Daor made the commitment on Monday during the formal handover of the Edo State Police Command in Benin by his predecessor, Monday Agbonika, who has since been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
The new commissioner said his administration would build on existing security strategies while fine-tuning the command’s approach to tackling crime across the state.
He stressed that public trust would be central to his policing strategy, promising an open-door policy through which residents could raise security concerns directly with the command.
“More importantly, I will ensure that every policeman has respect for every citizen of this state. We will work towards winning more of the trust of the good people of this state,” Daor said.
He urged residents to contribute to policing by providing information that could help the command identify and respond to security threats.
Daor said every issue brought to his attention would be handled with the utmost professionalism.
The new CP also promised to make the Edo command highly mobile and responsive, with officers expected to move quickly to areas where security incidents or other concerns arise.
“A command that is always moving,” he said, stressing the need to address issues affecting residents promptly.
Daor said he would not abandon the strategies that had produced results under Agbonika but would instead refine them and build on the successes already recorded.
Earlier, Agbonika said crime had been reduced to the minimum during his tenure as commissioner.
He thanked officers and personnel of the command for their support, while also acknowledging the contributions of religious leaders and the Edo State Government during his tenure.
The change of leadership comes as the police continue efforts to strengthen security operations and improve relations between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Daor’s emphasis on respect and public trust places police-community relations at the centre of his new administration.
The commissioner is also expected to confront the security challenges confronting Edo, including kidnapping, cult-related violence, robbery and other forms of criminal activity.
His pledge of a more mobile command suggests an emphasis on rapid response and visible police presence across communities.
For residents, the success of the new administration will ultimately be measured by how quickly officers respond to security incidents, how professionally complaints are handled and whether improved police visibility translates into safer communities.
Daor has already invited residents to play a role, urging anyone with information about security concerns to bring such matters to his attention.
