By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Publisher of FirmNews Media, Matthew Otabe, has paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, to discuss ways of strengthening security and enhancing collaboration between the media and security agencies.
The visit, which took place in Makurdi on Wednesday focused on security challenges in the state and the country at large, as well as the role of the media in supporting efforts to safeguard lives and property.
During the meeting, Otabe emphasised the importance of sustained engagement between the media and the police, particularly in the areas of information sharing, public enlightenment and responsible reportage of security-related issues.
He noted that the media had a crucial role to play in creating public awareness, promoting peace and encouraging citizens to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and maintaining public safety.
Otabe also stressed the need for the media and security agencies to maintain open channels of communication to ensure that members of the public receive accurate and timely information, especially during security emergencies.
Responding, CP Nwadiogbu welcomed the FirmNews publisher and acknowledged the significant role of the media in supporting security agencies and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The police commissioner urged journalists to uphold professionalism and verify information before publication, particularly when reporting security incidents, to avoid misinformation, unnecessary tension or panic among members of the public.
Nwadiogbu also called for closer cooperation between the police and the media, noting that effective partnership was essential to improving security awareness and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both parties to identify areas of mutual cooperation, particularly in public sensitisation, responsible security reporting and the dissemination of verified information.
The courtesy visit ended with a commitment by FirmNews Media and the Benue State Police Command to sustain dialogue and collaboration in support of peace, public safety and national development.
