The AIG Zone 8, Christopher Dega has said visibility policing, Intensive and Efficient Vehicular and foot patrols coupled with community policing against previous strategies was responsible for the massive decrease in crime rate in the zone in 2013 compared to previous years.

AIG Dega who stated this while briefing newsmen on efforts in crime prevention and reduction strategies for 2013 also mentioned that the fortified anti - robbery squad, relationship with other securities agencies and effective prosecution of criminals in collaboration with the State Ministry of Justice has also aided in crime reduction in the zone.

Dega who gave a statistic sample of some selected crime in the zone which comprises Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti shows that crime rate reduced by 23%, 29% and 17% in Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states respectively in 2013.

The Zone 8 AIG also said the strategies used in the zone were also responsible for the crime -free Christmas and new year celebrations, as there was no robbery case on the high way or any bank attack; which was the usual occurrence during such festive season.

Inter-country boundary location

He however pointed out that Kwara state continues to have highly crime rate in the zone due to the State's sharing border with another country, "Kwara state shares border with another country, and the inter-country boundary location coupled with its vast geographical line and high population make it difficult to curtail crime".

AIG Dega however promised that contrary to people's speculation that this year being an election eve year, their security and peace is guaranteed.

He also admonished people of Ekiti State not to entertain fears towards the forthcoming gubernatorial election, stressed that States Police Command have been well trained and equipped to handle political – related crimes.

"I assure members of the public that Zone 8 remains resolute in ensuring that security and peace reign even more during the current year. In that regard, we shall continue to employ the highlighted strategies and others while soliciting the cooperation of all, as it is a truism that security should not be the affair of a single organization but that of all and sundry".