By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
COMMISSIONER of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has embarked on a high-level stakeholder’s engagement tour of Kogi West Senatorial as part of his strategic moves to fortify Grassroots Security collaboration in the district.
In a statement made available to newsmen by SP William Ovye Aya, Public Relations Officer of the Kogi Command, CP Dantawaye said the effort was aimed at addressing the growing insecurity in Yagba Federal Constituency.
The CP’s first port of call was the Palace of the paramount ruler of Isanlu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Moses Babatunde, the Agbana of Isanlu.
Dantawaye emphasized the need to commence the stakeholders’ engagement with cultural and spiritual blessings from the Royal Father, particularly in light of security challenges in Yagba axis.
He said that the visit was aimed at engaging with the critical stakeholders in Yagba Federal Constituency to strengthen community policing approach for enhanced security in the axis.
At the Isanlu Area Command Headquarters, CP Dantawaye delivered a comprehensive lecture with focus on discipline, professionalism, community trust, and proactive intelligence sharing.
He urged the public to hold erring officers accountable saying “discipline starts with how we talk, walk, dress, and behave. “If an officer misbehaves, report his or her conduct to the authorities.
“Our doors are open, community trust is vital to our work and that can build public confidence in law enforcement agents. Criminals don’t vanish into thin air, they pass through our markets, farms, and roads”, he said.
He called on the public to be watchful and sharpen their power of observation and report on any suspicious activities within their neighbourhood, stressing, “If you see something, say something’. One call can save lives.”
He reiterated further that “security is a collective responsibility” and that the public has a role to play by volunteering timely and credible information about the activities of criminal elements in their respective areas.
He further encouraged the formation of Community Vigilante Groups, stressing that they must be profiled and work in synergy with security agencies as he cautioned against jungle justice and reaffirmed the Force’s respect for human rights and rule of law.
The CP thanked the Area Commander, DPOs of Isanlu, Egbe, Odo-Ere and Ife-olukotun Divisions, representatives of DSS, NSCDC , and community leaders for the synergy and unwavering support.
Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Isanlu Area Command, Chairman, Pastor Joseph Bamidele presented an Award of Excellence to CP Dantawaye in recognition of his outstanding leadership and proactive grassroots engagement.
The Agbana of Isanlu in his response commended the CP for his humility and professionalism saying,
“This gesture is rare and commendable. You have shown that traditional rulers matter and your leadership approach is sincerely appreciated”, he said.
The stakeholders at the meeting include, traditional rulers, community Leaders, PCRC members, Fulani Leaders, Hausa Leaders, Igbo Leaders, Youth Leaders, Traders, Artisans, Transport unions, Okada union, Vigilantes, Hunters, security agencies as well as personnel of Isanlu Area Command.
