Implement community policing because atrocious killings have become incessant in several communities across the federation with recent attacks in many states.
The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun to fully implement community policing as contained in section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to check the incessant killing of innocent citizens.
Consequently, the House therefore observed a minute silence in honor of innocent victims of horrendous attacks across the country.
The House resolution was a sequel to the adoption of Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Asama Ago (LP, Plateau) who noted that the House of Representatives had passed several resolutions on attacks by assailants in communities across Nigeria.
He said despite the numerous resolutions arising from motions, communities continue to be victims of these heinous attacks as he complained that, “all efforts of the security agencies seem inadequate because of the overwhelming nature of the situation.”
Rep. Ago noted that the atrocious killings have become incessant in several communities across the federation with recent attacks in the Nkienzha community of Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
“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.”
“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 a 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 a 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 a Divisional Community Policing Committee in all Police Divisions within the state,” he said.
The Plateau lawmaker said, “Despite the commencement of the Police Act (2020), the aspect of community policing is yet to be fully implemented.”
The motion was unanimously adopted as the Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the House within four weeks.
