NINGI (Sundiata Post) – Bauchi, An NGO, Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI), has launched an initiative to strengthen the police-community ties in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
The Executive Director of VAI, Mr Musa Aboki, stated this during a dialogue session with stakeholders on mutual accountability and community scorecard on Tuesday in Ningi.
He said that VAI, in partnership with International Alert and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), was implementing a police reform initiative project II through mutual accountability and community scorecard consultation in Zamfara and Bauchi states.
reports that the programme was organised by Voluntary Aid Initiative, with technical support from International Alert, and funded by UK International Development.
Aboki said that the project was aimed at enhancing police-public mutual accountability through the establishment of a community dialogue focusing on sensitisation and awareness creation.
“We discussed a critical aspect of our collective development, which is mutual accountability.
“We recognise that true progress can only be achieved when we work together, sharing responsibilities and holding each other accountable for our actions,” he said
According to him, the community scorecard is a powerful tool that enables the community to track progress, identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions.
The Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) of the Police Command in Bauchi State, ASP Aminu Gimba, said that the dialogue session provided a platform for the police and the community to engage in open and frank discussions.
This, he said, had led to a better understanding of each other’s needs and concerns.
“It helped to build trust and confidence between the police and the community, and we are committed to sustaining this partnership,” Gimba said.
On his part, Mohammed Salihu, Secretary of the Police-Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ningi council area, also commended the dialogue session, saying it marked a significant milestone in the efforts to promote community policing in the area.
“The dialogue session demonstrated the commitment of the police and the community to work together to address security challenges.
“We are confident that this partnership will lead to improved security and safety in our community,” Salihu said. (NAN)