In a significant move, the House of Representatives has called upon the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to adopt community policing, in accordance with Section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. The call comes amidst growing concerns over the prevailing security challenges, particularly in Plateau State.
Motion of Urgent Public Importance
The decision to advocate for community policing was prompted by a motion of urgent public importance brought forward by Asama Ago, a member of the Labour Party representing Plateau State. Ago highlighted the House’s prior resolutions that yielded limited improvements in Plateau State’s security situation.
Ago emphasized, “The House is aware that the Police Act, 2020 provides for the establishment of community policing as stipulated explicitly in Section 113, 114, 116, and 117 of the Act.”
Provisions of the Police Act
Quoting the relevant sections of the Police Act, Ago outlined the establishment of Community Policing Committees at both state and divisional levels. He underscored the need for collaboration between the Commissioner of Police and local communities to enhance effective policing.
Speaker’s Directive
Ruling on the motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to engage with the Inspector-General of Police. Their mandate is to ensure the IG’s compliance with the adoption of community policing, with a report expected back within four weeks.
Additional Security Measures in Yobe State
In a parallel development, the House also called upon the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the Inspector-General of Police to deploy additional personnel to address security challenges in the Fika/Fune Federal Constituency of Yobe State.
Motion from Yobe State Representative
The motion, presented by Mohammed Jajere, the representative of Fika/Fune Federal Constituency, highlighted the troubling escalation of insecurity in the Fika Local Government Area. Jajere informed the House about the recent destruction of Gurjaje settlement by suspected bandits, resulting in casualties and significant property damage.
Concerns and Mandate
Expressing his concern, Jajere stated, “The House is concerned that many rural dwellers have been displaced on account of this onslaught while agricultural activities have been greatly paralyzed, leading to economic loss to the Fika LGA in Yobe and the nation at large.”
Ruling on this second motion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committees on Army and Legislative Compliance to ensure swift compliance with the deployment of additional security personnel to address the security challenges in Yobe State.
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