By Ikhili Monday EBALU, Benin City 

 The Commissioner of Police , Edo State Command, Haliru Gwandu,  on Thursday said they can no longer rely on the abiding faith of Community Development Associations (CDA's) and land speculators in connivance with some highly placed Individuals in some communities in the state.

 Commissioner  Haliru Gwandu, who disclosed this during the formal inauguration of eminent peoples Forum at the Police Officers' mess on Thursday in Benin City, the state capital.

 Gwandu, said intelligence reports have revealed that some members of CDA's involved in land speculation have adopted a strategy of converting get proceeds of land largesse  to build fortress around themselves and sometimes fuel hostility in  communities.

 The Police boss who did not disclose the name of the  community, however said "it behoves on the members of the community to burst the crime, find out the perpetrators among them".

 He said since he assumed duty as the helmsman of Edo State Police Command, he has mopped up over 101 light arms from the Communities in the state.

 He however cautioned traditional and community leaders including the various Divisional Police Officers under his command to be alive to their responsibilities not to fall into such overdrive.

 "So, the moment you trace this problems, just report to us immediately. Don't allow them to grow wing because by the time they grab land and sold to many people, they use the proceeds from the land sale to stockpile arms and before you know it, they take up arms against their opponents under the guise of militancy and hostility.

 "I decided to ask all my DPO's to be in attendance before I answer... The issue of fraudulent attitude by the CDA chairmen and the traditional ruler and other chairmen or other elders in various communities where documents are forged and there is this proliferation of disposing land. 

 "A land is  sold to more than two or three, four or five persons. They forge the signatures of those who are supposed to sign and they issue and that stands as authentic. The buyer will only be greeted with shock when he comes to inspect the site. You will now realise that maybe he is the third buyer.

 "Such crimes started as civil because those officials you have elected or nominated which constitute authority in the community are those doing this. It behoves on the members of the community to burst the crime, find out the perpetrators among them.

 "The problem here is that by the time you elect the CDA chairman and he connives with the traditional ruler, before you know it, they become very strong and factionalise the community, while you, the good ones are watching the carnage and havoc they are perpetrating in the community. 

 "They galvanise support from many members of the community because of the pecuniary gains. So, sometimes, when we go to effect arrest, we meet stiff resistance because some members of the community will chase police", he said.