FIC Report (Benue State) – The Benue State Government, in collaboration with Lawyers Alert, on Friday, 25th April 2025, launched a community policing project, unveiling an impact documentary and sharing key lessons from the initiative.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Makurdi, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, represented by Mrs. Felicia Alubo, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, emphasized that security is a collective responsibility requiring the active involvement of all citizens.
Dr. Ode commended Lawyers Alert for their significant efforts in educating local communities on the importance of trusting and cooperating with security agencies to foster peace and security.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the public to enhance information gathering and build mutual trust.
Earlier, Mr. Lazarus Mom, Project Manager of Lawyers Alert, highlighted that community policing remains the most effective solution to the persistent security challenges facing Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Mom emphasized the importance of citizen participation in supporting security efforts and reaffirmed Lawyers Alert’s commitment to providing technical expertise to address these challenges.
He explained that the two-year project was implemented in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs), areas identified for their unique security concerns.
Mom disclosed that Lawyers Alert is currently implementing a project titled “Empowering Community Policing Committees Towards a Rights-Based Approach to Security Sector Governance and Accountability in Nigeria” within these LGAs.
He noted that the initiative has recorded significant achievements, including the establishment of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) comprising stakeholders such as the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Benue Volunteer Guards, local government officials, traditional leaders, women, and youth representatives.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Makurdi, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, represented by Mrs. Felicia Alubo, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, emphasized that security is a collective responsibility requiring the active involvement of all citizens.
Dr. Ode commended Lawyers Alert for their significant efforts in educating local communities on the importance of trusting and cooperating with security agencies to foster peace and security.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the public to enhance information gathering and build mutual trust.
Earlier, Mr. Lazarus Mom, Project Manager of Lawyers Alert, highlighted that community policing remains the most effective solution to the persistent security challenges facing Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Mom emphasized the importance of citizen participation in supporting security efforts and reaffirmed Lawyers Alert’s commitment to providing technical expertise to address these challenges.
He explained that the two-year project was implemented in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Government Areas (LGAs), areas identified for their unique security concerns.
Mom disclosed that Lawyers Alert is currently implementing a project titled “Empowering Community Policing Committees Towards a Rights-Based Approach to Security Sector Governance and Accountability in Nigeria” within these LGAs.
He noted that the initiative has recorded significant achievements, including the establishment of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) comprising stakeholders such as the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Benue Volunteer Guards, local government officials, traditional leaders, women, and youth representatives.
The capacities of these committees have been enhanced in critical areas such as human rights, security sector accountability, and early warning and response systems, thereby promoting inclusive and rights-based security governance.
In his remarks, Mr. Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, noted the increasing insecurity and stressed the importance of educating citizens on how to navigate and remain safe in challenging environments.
He advised citizens to remain anonymous when providing information to security agencies to ensure their safety.
Signed
Bridget Tarker
For Head of Centre
Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
