Lalong, SAN, Others Endorse Community Policing

Former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, Prof. Dakas CJ Dakas, has identified community policing as key to enduring security in the country.

Mr. Dakas spoke on the sidelines of a summit organized by the Plateau State Government with the theme: Domestication of community policing in Plateau State: exploring the indigenous options in Jos.

“The primary objective of the dialogue was to weave the current national discourse on decentralization of security in the face of breaches that are threatening national unity by finding acceptable ways of incorporating community participation in the present security architectural framework in the state”, Dakas added.

His views were echoed by other participants at the summit, including Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong.

Lalong noted that the summit became essential following recent incidents of violence in the state.

“It is difficult to comprehend this carnage because the two events appear to be deliberately orchestrated to test the resolve of our administration in bringing back peace to the state and also undermining the security and safety of our people who are simply going about earning their livelihoods.

Like I said both during my visit to Kulben and during the meeting with Local Government chairmen, community leaders, traditional rulers, and Ardos after the Kwatas killings, the dark days of pain, tears, and sorrow will never be allowed to return to Plateau State again.

“That is why I told the security agencies that the killers must be fished out at all costs because the government will no longer make excuses for ‘unknown gunmen’ who kill and maim at will…They are not ghosts.

“I am happy that this directive has been acted upon, and sooner than later, those killers will be unmasked and brought before the law to answer for their crimes. While that is going on, we must look ahead and seek ways to forestall reoccurrence.

“That is why I have convened this enlarged peace and security summit with a view to putting forward practical and proactive measures that will address these unacceptable attacks.”

Other participants at the summit included lawyers, government officials, community leaders, traditional rulers, members of the Armed Forces, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other agencies, among others.

They advised the government to ensure that the Operation Rainbow security outfit in the state be strengthened and the capacity of its operatives increased.

They said this would boost the Neighbourhood Watch as a visible channel for intelligence gathering and response.

They also praised the North Central Governors resolve for the geo-political zone to establish a Community Policing Framework to tackle the insecurity.

The summit also advised that a technical committee be set up by the government to harmonize the presentations and evolve a more sustainable Community Policing Framework for immediate implementation in the state.