Security: Kogi State begins implementation of community policing »

Kogi State Government has, as part of its determination to nip security challenges in the bud by ending all criminal activities within its territory, formally commenced Community Policing in the state.

This follows Monday’s inauguration of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPC) and the State Community Policing Committee (SCPC) simultaneously.

The Committees were inaugurated by the Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Edward Onoja.

Performing the function, the Governor applauded the courage and foresight of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the country implements the policy under his regime after many years of the issue dominating public discussions.

He said the policy was another testimony of the love the President has for the country and its people, and commitment to ensuring issue of security lapses in Nigeria were addressed.

Governor Bello used the occasion to also applaud the current Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, under whose leadership the measure has taken root.

The Governor Bello said importance of the policy cannot be underplayed in view of crimes being committed in society by individuals within societies inhabited by fellow human beings.

Community Policing approach, the Governor noted, is aimed at ensuring humans with character and willingness to serve form part of the security architecture of the state through the committees.

The Governor expressed his readiness to continue to ensure the security of lives and property of the people of Kogi State and would partner all security agencies.

He expressed gladness on the composition of members, stressing that it was all encompassing and would further strengthen the efforts being put in place to arrest those behind recent criminal activities in the state.

Governor Bello said his desire is to have a crime free Kogi State under his leadership.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police as delivered by DIG Lawal Shehu, urged the committee to ensure it is made up people with good character and not criminals or ex convicts.

He also suggested that workers whose sources of income are known should be made members of the committee since they can be vouched for as people with legitimate sources of income.

In his own address, the Commissioner of Police, Ede Ayuba said he is ready to work with the committee to ensure a crime free Kogi State which they are members of.

He said policing is the business of all and called on everyone to work with the committee to ensure safety of lives and property.

In his acceptance speech, the Ohimegye Igu and Chairman of Lokoja/Kogi Traditional Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Abdulrazak Isah thanked the government for finding them worthy to serve, promising to bring his experience as a retired police officer to serve.

In his vote of thanks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) assured the people of the state of the efforts being put in place to ensure the state put recent security challenges to bed.

The Kogi State on Community Policing is to manage and coordinate the State Community Policing Programme and is expected to foster security awareness and monitor progress on Community Policing.

The committee is to meet at least once a month (and can convene an emergency meeting as the need arises) with all the LGA chairmen and DPOs in the State in attendance.

It is also expected to convene a general meeting at the end of every quarter to review the Community Policing activities in the LGAs and to develop or unveil new approaches to Community Policing based on challenges, success stories and need.

The committee comprises representative of the Commissioner of Police of DCP rank, a traditional ruler, representative of Police community Relations Police (PCRC) and one representatives each from Nigerian supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Additionally, a representative of Civil Society Organizations, a representative of Labour Union, a representative of National Council of Women Society, a representative of National Youth Council of Nigeria, a representative of People Living with Disabilities, and one representative from the NBA.

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