Kogi Community rises against banditry, Collaborates with security agencies

A community policing outfit under the aegis of Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) has contended that the battle against bandits unleashing terror in the various communities in the state transcend effort of governments and security operatives to collective responsibility for better impact. The Community policing outfit that has Commodore Ahmed Abdullahi (rtd) as its current […]

A community policing outfit under the aegis of Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW) has contended that the battle against bandits unleashing terror in the various communities in the state transcend effort of governments and security operatives to collective responsibility for better impact.

The Community policing outfit that has Commodore Ahmed Abdullahi (rtd) as its current Chairman Board of Trustees was established by leaders of the communities in conjunction with the state police command for intelligence gathering and sharing to enable possible quick response to criminal activities in kogi east.

The assertion was part of the resolve at its 5th annual security summit, code named “KUSS 2025”, with the theme : “Community Policing and Engagement as a Panacea to Rising Insecurity in Nigeria”, held at Ugwolawo in Ofu local government at the weekend.

The Summit that brought together those that matters in the society of the nine local governments which cut across different fields of humanity to chart a new path for security of Kogi East had DIG Adeleye Oyebade (Rtd) as the Guest Speaker.

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KEWN painted the ugly development bedevilling the region as of grave concern that needs urgent attention before it escalate to an uncontrollable level in the nearest future .

In the communique signed by the chairman,Central Coordinating Committee (CCC), Dr Omakoji Oyiguh and his Secretary, Isaac H. Inah, KEWN noted that the safety of the modern society is everyone’s responsibility, stressing that community policing remains the most practical tool to fight insecurity in homeland.

According to the organization, as the heat of the mounting banditry activities in the region kept increasing with devastating effects, they cannot no longer fold their arms without evolving a plan to complement the efforts of the governments and the security operatives to safe their land from marauders.

However, the organization viewed with great concern the shortcomings of the government and security operatives to respond appropriately, citing limited operational tools of security operatives, poor communication and youth unemployment,including employment of sentiments in approach ,among others.

“Security cannot be left to government and conventional forces alone—citizens and communities must actively participate. Many police divisions lack functional patrol vehicles, limiting response capacity.

“Traditional and modern intelligence-sharing channels remain weak and fragmented. Limited industries and opportunities continue to push youths toward crime”, communique read.

However, the organization commended the federal and state governments’ efforts, amid the security challenges, in their attempt to mitigate its spread and negative impact on the inhabitants of the region of the state .

“The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade deployment to the Itobe–Ochadamu highway has drastically reduced kidnappings recently.

“The creation of the Onu Bagana stool by governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is a welcome step toward resolving communal crises in Bagana”, the communique added .

The organization therefore implored the power that be to mobilize traditional rulers, elites/ elders , political ,youth and community leaders to play stronger roles in security coordination to ward off the rampaging terrorists that have visited homes with sorrow and grief.

Also, it urged involvement in Technology and Intelligence Sharing ,including deployment of modern surveillance equipment to aid intelligence gathering to enhance efficiency of operations .

“We urge the Inspector General of Police to deploy more personnel and patrols, especially along the federal highways. And encourage communities to improve vigilance and provide first-line resistance against crime.

“We Call on the Kogi State Government to provide patrol vehicles, manpower, and logistics to the three Area Commands in Kogi East”, the communique further stressed.

The organization added further that traditional Institutions should be put on check over indiscriminate land sales to unknown persons, which mostly fuels communal conflicts and frustrates peaceful coexistence among residents.

Earlier, in his remarks , Dr Omakoji Oyiguh, the
Chairman, Central Coordinating Committee (CCC) said the organisation has been striving to keep the light of the Federal Government’s community policing policy burning in the homeland of the region of the state, with passion .

“We are thankful for the policy of the Federal Government that provides us the opportunity as responsible citizens in our communities to be able to support the security agencies with credible, actionable and timely intelligence, towards the overall security of our dear country”, he said .

He enjoined all local communities to continue to discourage their youths from providing information to kidnappers or aiding and abetting or being involved in kidnapping.

While Dr Oyegun said the last one year had been full of challenges for community policing in the homeland, he stressed that banditry has encroached into the State with impunity, unleashing terror on the innocent citizens, with impunity.

He said the community stakeholders have to rise to the occasion with an effective response plan or initiative to avert the looming disaster that is set to mortgage the present and future unborn generations of the homeland in the flank of the state.

Meanwhile, he commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for facilitating the establishment of Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Abejukolo in Omala Local Government Area, with a naval patrol component in crisis ridden Bagana community .

In attendance include, traditional rulers, security agents, political leaders, professionals, and community stakeholders,including youth and women leaders.

Among others, the summit was witnessed by General Patrick Ademu Akpa (Rtd),as chairman was witnessed, among others, Commodore Ahmed Abdullahi (Rtd), Col. (Dr) Vincent Abuh (Rtd),Alhaji Musa Omika Maaji (ACP Rtd).General Tony Majali (Rtd), Prof DA Ameh , Chairman of Igala Professors, Ambassador Ali Ocheni, Mr Alfonsus Alhassan, representing Kogi East Elders Council, including the IGP and CP Kogi police Command, represented by the DPO Ugwolawo and host of traditional rulers from the region.

Umpteenth times, the region of the state had cried out over incessant incidents of kidnappings, armed robberies , killings, clash of herdsmen and farmers on roads and in communities, allegedly fueled by invading bandits.