Governor of Plateau State Dr Simon Lalong on Tuesday said that the
state would key into the community policing modeling in dealing with
security situation more effectively .
“We should also examine what the conventional security agencies such as
the Police, State Security Service, Operation Safe Haven, Civil Defence
and related agencies are doing in securing lives and properties in the
State.”
Lalong made this known while speaking at a stakeholders peace and
security community dialogue meeting with the Theme Domestication of
community policing in Plateau state , Exploring the Indigenous options .
He said ” It is with mixed feelings that I address you today at this
Stakeholders Peace, Security and Community Dialogue, holding here at the
Government House.
” I say with mixed feelings because this in one type of stakeholders
meeting that we were almost relegating to the dustbin of history
considering how hard we have toiled to ensure the return of peace to our
State since our coming into office.
” Sadly, we are compelled to hold this meeting once again instead of
ordinarily coming together to celebrate peaceful coexistence and
prosperity of our land and its good people, as we were looking forward
to during the forthcoming Forgiveness Day.”
” The unfortunate events of last month in Kulben, Kombun District in
Mangu Local Government Area, as well as that of Kwatas in Bokkos Local
Government which claimed over 30 precious lives of innocent citizens
with many injured and properties destroyed, is most unfortunate and a
bitter pill to swallow.”
” 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 Government will no longer take excuses
of “unknown gunmen” who kill and maim at will.”
” That is why we directed that the community leaders and Ardos be
invited and questioned with a view to assisting the security agencies
with information that will lead to the arrest of the killers. 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 Dialogue
with the theme “DOMESTICATION OF COMMUNITY POLICING IN PLATEAU STATE:
EXPLORING INDEGINOUS OPTIONS” with a view to putting forward practical
and proactive measures that will address these unacceptable attacks”.
” The dialogue seeks to explore ways towards undertaking a wholistic
overview of the prevailing security challenges in the State, with
specific reference to a community policing model that can better respond
to public safety and security.”
“You will recall that the Inspector General of Police last month met
with Governors of the North Central States in Lafia – Nasarawa State,
for a Security Summit where we adopted Community Policing as a better
tool to dealing with the security situation in our geo-political zone.”
“At today’s dialogue therefore, I expect that we shall engage in frank,
open and solution-driven interaction that will enable us key into the
Community Policing Model in dealing with our security situation more
effectively.”
” Happily, we already have structures on ground which are in tandem with
the Community Policing model such as the Operation Rainbow, Early
warning System, Vigilante Volunteers and Community based Intelligence
Volunteers.”
” Let us ask critical questions as to what we are doing right and what
is not working, with a view to making it more effective for guaranteeing
the security and safety of lives and property in Plateau State.””.
” What do we need to do in creating synergy between their work and that
of the Community Policing structure in order to achieve better results?”
” Since virtually every relevant stakeholder is here today, I expect
that the discussions will be honest, frank and capable of leading us to a
safer Plateau State that thrives on respect for human lives, good
neigbourliness, tolerance, justice and forgiveness.”
” With the array of resource persons invited to speak at this dialogue, I
am optimistic that something good will come out at the end of the day.”