By Thompson Yamput
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Miller Dantawaye, has embarked on a strategic familiarization tour of key communities in the state, aimed at establishing a strong foundation for effective policing.
A statement signed by Command’s Spokesman, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, on Saturday in Lokoja, described the tour as strategic and very necessary given security challenges of the times.
Ovye-Aya said the tour will also strengthen police-community relationship, fostering collaboration with critical stakeholders and evaluating security operations to create a safe and secure environment for them (communities).
He stressed that the CP’s tour commenced from Ankpa area command and ended up at Ayingba area command, during which the CP paid a courtesy visits to the Ejeh of Ankpa, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Yakubu and Ogohi of Ayingba Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo.
where he appealed for royal support and prayers for improved security in their domain.
According to him, Dantawaye appealed to the royal fathers to continue to talk to their subjects to be law abiding, avoid jungle justice, stay alert, and report whatever they see to the nearest security formation.
“This is because security is everybody’s business and should be seen as a collective responsibility for the peace of their respective communities in Kogi, ” he said.
The CP reportedly visited Ankpa Local Government Secretariat and was warmly received by the Deputy Chairman, Hajiya Habiba Imam.
He said that the CP commended the Executive Chairman, Engr Mohammed Adamu and his council members for the good work they are doing in securing local government Area.
Ovye-Aya quited the CP of saying that crime rate in Ankpa has drastically reduced in recent time.
He called for a continued support to the security agencies in Ankpa to enable them function more efficiently.
In her response, Hajia Imam commended the police and other security agencies in Ankpa for the good work they are doing in securing the area.
She assured the CP that the council will continue to give its support to the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security in Ankpa.
The CP further had a security stakeholders meeting at both Ankpa and Ayingba area command headquarters, where he engaged with representatives of various communities and groups.
Those present include representatives of traditional rulers, Community Leaders, PCRC, NURTW, OKADA Union, Fulani Leaders, Hausa Leaders, Vigilantes and Hunters
The CP explained that his visit is to strengthen relationships with the public for a better and effective policing in the area, stressing that there is no perfect policing in the world without information.
He appealed for continuous partnership through information sharing, while urging them to be vigilant, and report any suspicious activities within their neighborhood.
Dantawaye also cautioned them against jungle justice, stressing that anyone who takes the law into his hands will face the full wrath of the law.
He further addressed the stakeholders on the issue of famers and heders clashes with particular reference to Oganinegu community.
The CP reiterated the importance of grassroots support in fighting crime, highlighting ongoing success in curbing kidnapping and fostering community collaboration.
The CP further addressed police personnel at Ankpa area command headquarters consisting of personnel from Olamaboro, Ankpa, Okaba, Omala, Enjema, and Imane divisions respectively and that of Ayingba Area Command including Ayingba, Dekina, Bassa, Abocho and Egume Divisions respectively.
The address was to motivate the officers, address their concerns as it regards to the issue of contributory pension scheme.
He said that the Inspector General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetikun, was poised at improving the welfare of both serving and retired officers.
He also lectured officers on professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights, cautioning them to shun any form of extortions and corruption among others.
The CP also visited the management of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Ayingba, to strengthen collaboration between the police and the institution.
He was warmly received by the university management led by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof Johnson Balogun who acknowledged the remarkable improvement in security within the campus.
Balogun commended the leadership style of the CP and for taking his time to toured the state and strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders to enable them contribute to the security in their respective communities.
The CP assured residents of Kogi that under his leadership, the command intensify proactive, intelligence-led, and community-based policing strategies to ensure peace and safety across all communities.
