Stakeholders from different segments of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State have pledged their commitment to fully support the Community Policing initiative currently being implemented in Guma by Lawyers Alert Nigeria and funded by Open Society Foundations (OSF) to enhance cooperation between security agencies and the community to enhance security, respect for human rights and ensure inclusion for all on security issues.
They gave this commitment during the inauguration of a 20-member Community Policing Committee (CPC) in Guma drawn from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCVG), the clergy, women and youth groups among others.
Unraveling the thinking behind the security initiative, one of the Project Leads and a Legal Officer with Lawyers Alert, Barr. Solumtochukwu Ozobulu stressed that it was necessary for security agents to be mindful and respectful of people’s rights while enforcing the laws noting that there would be special trainings to sensitize concerned parties of their rights.
On his part, Barr. Victor Eboh who explained that Lawyers Alert is in the vanguard of advocacy for people’s rights, noted that the selection of CPC members was guided by a careful mapping that had the active inputs of community members themselves. Barr. Eboh added that the project was aimed at seeing a seamless synergy exist between security agents and the people they protect which, he observed gives room for community people to freely give early warning signals to security agencies for prompt and appropriate response.
Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Guma, SUPOL Okoriko Gabriel who described the community policing project as a welcome development, opined that it would only work when there was collective and shared responsibility and pledged to work with all stakeholders to ensure peace reigns.
SUPOL Okoriko who prescribed the use of both proactive and reactive methods to curb crime, appealed to the people for security information assuring them of utmost confidentiality. While lamenting that the farmer-herdsmen clashes constitute the major crises bedeviling the area, the DPO harped on the need for diplomacy in conflict resolution which he disclosed had proven to be effective so far. Okoriko who affirmed that police and lawyers were partners in progress, appealed to people not to be harshly critical of the police so as not to dampen their morale to work for society.
On his part, representative of the Divisional Officer of Civil Defense in Guma, DSC Emmanuel Itodo who said the Community Policing project had been long awaited, stressed the need for timely tips from the public and sought support from the local government council.
Youth Leader in Guma, Sunday Nyichie stressed the pivotal role the youth plays in any enterprise including security and committed that they would embrace the policing project to enable it succeed.
Administrative head of Guma Local Government Area, DGSA, Mr. Japheth Hungwa, represented by the Security Secretary of the council, Christopher Waku lamented that Guma with its 10 council wards sharing boundaries with Plateau, Nassarawa, Taraba remained highly volatile and has not seen respite in the past 15 years. Waku who cried that he could not venture into his own farm to harvest crops however expressed hope that the community policing project might bring the much-needed peace to Guma and environs and he stressed the need for proper recruitment process.
On their part, Juliana Agbaka, representing the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Mrs. Atsember Onyi Grace for the women, thanked the group for seeing to it that they were included. Mrs. Atsember who pointed out that women were most vulnerable and suffer most during crises, pledged solid women support for the initiative.
Delivering a keynote address, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Guma, Pst. Tsukwa Justine who was represented by Pst. Godwin Kindah stressed the need for effective collaboration between police and the people who have the joint responsibility in securing the community. He prescribed an approach to law enforcement that emphasizes partnership between the police and the community.
The CPC inauguration in Guma following the previous week’s successful inauguration of a similar Committee in Katsina-Ala is further proof of Lawyers Alert’s dogged commitment to strengthening the sinews of security in the society, fostering greater collaboration and ensuring a security pattern that respects the rights of citizens.
The Community Policing Project funded by Open Society Foundation (OSF) aims at setting up community policing mechanisms towards a right-based approach and accountability in Cameroon and Nigeria; a policing pattern which comes with a double package to secure the society while respecting the rights and dignity of citizens culminating in a saner society where laws are not only enforced but where the rights and dignity of all citizens, whether innocent or guilty, are assured.
Swift Media World 