The Ekiti State Police Command has launched a Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) at the Command Headquarters in Ado Ekiti, following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police. The unit, designed as a rapid-response force, aims to enhance security across towns and villages in the state by tackling violent crimes more effectively. Commissioner of Police Michael Falade stated the VCRU was established in response to the evolving nature of criminality and the need for a dedicated team capable of swift action on distress calls. Operatives have already begun intensive, tactical, and intelligence-driven training ahead of field deployment. CP Falade urged officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights, warning that misconduct or abuse of power would not be tolerated. He called on residents to support the unit with credible information to aid crime prevention and detection, stressing that community partnership is vital to effective policing. The Commissioner credited Governor Biodun Oyebanji for consistent logistical and operational support, which he said contributed to recent successes against criminal elements. Lawrence Ogunsetire, Secretary of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), pledged full support and said the PCRC would mobilise communities to collaborate with the VCRU. National Provost Marshal Pastor Joshua Makinde expressed confidence in the unit's ability to complement existing police efforts.
Michael Falade launched a new rapid-response unit while praising a governor whose administration has overseen the same security challenges the unit now seeks to fix. If the VCRU's training and deployment are truly intelligence-driven, Ekiti residents deserve to know how it will differ from past units that failed to stop violent crime. The promise of community cooperation rings hollow unless past breakdowns in police-civilian trust are directly addressed. Operatives may be warned against abuse of power, but no mechanism has been disclosed to hold them accountable when such breaches occur.
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