Umuahia – Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has called for cordial relationship between community leaders and security agencies.
Ikpeazu made the call said at a one-day Peace and Security Summit organised by the State Government for the state’s traditional rulers in Umuahia on Friday.
He said such a relationship would go a long way in helping community-driven policing to curb insecurity.
“It would be a potent weapon in surmounting the state`s security challenges.’’
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Udo Oko-Chukwu, said crime management needed the support and cooperation of all community leaders.
“I am convinced that the state would be better prepared to handle security challenges and committed to growth after this event.’’ Ikpeazu said.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr Azobuko Udah, said “events have shown that there is a proliferation of arms in the hands of individuals or groups involved in criminal acts.
“These criminals are always devising ways to dodge security officials, which means that government has to device ways of apprehending them, thereby making community policing relevant.’’
Retired Capt. Awa Agwu, Security Adviser to Abia Governor, said community policing would strengthen the bond between the police and the community leaders.
He said this was capable of providing long term solution to security problems.
Agwu, who spoke on: Community Policing, said security of life and property was a collective responsibility between the state and the citizens.
He opined that a well-structured police/community partnership would allow the police to get proper understanding of the nature of the crime prevalent in any particular community.
Dr Sam Erugo, a resource person, said traditional rulers had continually played very important role in conflict resolution in communities.
Erugo said community policing had readily available tools in the traditional institution maintained by traditional rulers.
Eze Uwadiegwu Ogbonnaya of Umuanyi community stated that community policing was a welcome development.
He urged the government to provide the necessary materials needed for effective community policing. (NAN)
