By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to tackle criminality and sustain peace across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, psc(+), mnips, PhD, made the call during a strategic engagement with the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, in Otukpo Local Government Area.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, and made available to FirmNews on Thursday, the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing partnership between the Police and traditional institutions in promoting peace, security and public safety.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Commissioner and the traditional ruler to discuss the security situation in Otukpo, the role of traditional institutions in community policing and the need for sustained collaboration in addressing emerging security challenges.
Responding, the Och’Idoma commended the Commissioner and the Nigeria Police Force for the recent successes recorded by the Command, noting that the achievements had contributed to the relative peace being experienced in the area.
He particularly acknowledged the recent rescue of passengers who were kidnapped while travelling to Abuja, describing the operation as a significant achievement.
The monarch prayed for the Commissioner and urged him to remain committed to his duties and continue to uphold the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Following the visit, CP Nwadiogbu proceeded to the Otukpo Area Command, where he addressed police officers before meeting with community and youth leaders from across the local government area.
The stakeholders’ meeting focused on peaceful coexistence, timely sharing of information and actionable intelligence, as well as stronger cooperation between the Police, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The Commissioner also paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, where discussions centred on operational strategies for improving security coordination and consolidating the peace currently being enjoyed in the area.
CP Nwadiogbu expressed appreciation to the Och’Idoma, the Local Government Council, officers and men of the Command, sister security agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation.
He stressed that effective security could only be achieved through a collective approach and sustained partnership between security agencies, traditional institutions, government and the communities they serve.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to deepening community policing, strengthening stakeholder engagement and adopting proactive measures to protect lives and property in Otukpo and other parts of Benue State.
