Reps to IGP: Implement community policing to curb incessant attacks

House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged the Inspector General of Police, IGP (Dr) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to fully implement community policing as outlined in section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion under “Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Asama Ago (LP-Plateau) moved at the plenary

While moving the motion, Hon Ago recalled that the House of Representatives had passed several resolutions on attacks by assailants in communities across Nigeria.

He lamented that in spite of the numerous resolutions arising from motions, communities still continue to be victims of these heinous attacks.

According to him, “All efforts of the security agencies seem inadequate because of the overwhelming nature of the situation.

The lawmaker said that the atrocious killings have become incessant in several communities across the federation with recent attacks in Nkienzha community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State

According to him, “Aware that the Police Act, 2020 provides for establishment of Community Policing as stipulated explicitly in Section 113, 114, 116 and 117 of the Act.

“113.-(1) says for the effective and efficient policing of communities in a state or Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police of a State shall establish Community Policing Committee which shall consist of representatives of the Police Force and the local community in the state.

“It says a Commissioner of Police of a state shall establish Community SubPolicing Committee at all Divisional Police Headquarters in the state or Federal Capital Territory.

“Subject to section 116 (1) (b) of this Act, the Commissioner of Police and members designated by him from time to time for the purpose, shall be members of the Policing Committees and Sub-Policing Committees established at various police formations.

“114.-(1) says a Commissioner of Police of a state or Federal Capital Territory shall, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the community, establish Divisional Community Policing Committee in all Police Divisions within the state,” he said.

The lawmaker said that despite the commencement of the Police Act (2020), the aspect of community policing is yet to be fully implemented.

The house observed a minute silence in honor of innocent victims of horrendous attacks across the country.

When the motion was put into voice vote by the Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas, It was unanimously supported by members

The Speaker then mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the house within four weeks for further legislative action.