By Admin 
•••• Seeks Public Support for Effective Community Policing
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has called for sustained collaboration between communities and the Nigeria Police to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 Benin, Arungwa Nwaziue Udo, made this appeal on Saturday during the commissioning of an ultra-modern divisional police headquarters and an ICT security command center in Ogbona, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.
The facilities, built and equipped by the Ogbona Youth Forum (OYF) in partnership with Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, were handed over to the police, alongside a patrol vehicle and four motorcycles.
Describing the event as “epoch-making,” Egbetokun emphasized the importance of community collaboration in achieving peace and security.
“We are living in a modern world, and high-tech policing is now inevitable. Technology plays a pivotal role in tracking and monitoring criminal activities. The police cannot be everywhere at the same time; we need sustained public support. Policing is everybody’s business, and communal efforts in this regard will not go in vain,” he said.
Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Ltd., underscored the significance of integrating technology into policing.
“The decision to embark on this project stems from the belief that security is the foundation of development. Without peace and safety, no society can thrive. This new police station is a symbol of hope, unity, and progress. I implore community members to support the officers, report incidents promptly, and work hand in hand to create a safer environment,” Dunia stated.
He further highlighted the need for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to combat insecurity effectively, especially at the local level.
The National President of Ogbona Youth Forum, Mr. Paulinus Eleta, expressed delight at the project’s completion, describing it as a vital step toward addressing security issues in Edo North.
“As a premier youth organization, OYF is committed to bridging gaps in human and physical development within our community. Our next project is a skill acquisition center to empower both indigenes and non-indigenes, enhancing human capital development,” Eleta announced.
Chief Dan Orbih, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South region, called for stronger cooperation between society and the police.
“The partnership between communities and the police is critical in reversing the current negative security trends. Together, we can build a safer nation,” Orbih said.