Police seek end to kidnapping in N’Central

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi, comprising Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau commands, Dankombo Morris, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and other critical stakeholders to forge a united front against kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and communal clashes in the zone.

Morris made the call on Tuesday in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at the police command headquarters.

The meeting, which was part of the AIG’s familiarisation tour of the zone, three months after he assumed duty, brought together leaders from Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau states.

Morris said the era of leaving security solely in the hands of the police was over, stressing that modern democratic policing thrived on community partnership.

“Security is a collective responsibility. All over the world, it is community policing that is the modern, positive and result-oriented way of policing in a democratic setup.

“Policing is most effective when it is supported by the people because the police cannot be everywhere at all times. You are the eyes and ears of your communities,” he said.

The police chief noted that Zone 4 was faced with serious security challenges, including armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes, farmers-herders’ conflict, cultism, drug-related offences and cybercrime.

He said the crimes had led to loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira.

Morris further assured residents that the zonal command was working round the clock to provide lasting solutions that would enable citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without fear or molestation.

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He commended members of the Police Community Relations Committee, civil society organisations, youth leaders and traders for providing timely information and cooperation, which he said had helped sustain peace and stability in the state.

He charged officers and men of the command to see themselves as servants of the people and earn public trust through integrity, fairness, courtesy and firmness, adding that the command was deepening intelligence-led and community-oriented policing.

On the forthcoming election season, the AIG warned political actors against heating the polity.

“I appeal to all political party chairmen and political leaders to ensure their activities are conducted responsibly and peacefully. Political differences should never endanger lives and property. After politics, we remain together.

“We will not allow the state to be turned into a battleground. We encourage dialogue and respect for the rule of law. The police will not tolerate misinformation, inflammatory religious statements and tribal comments capable of creating tension and division,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, Shettima Mohammed, assured all parties of a level playing field ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He pledged neutrality, professionalism and respect for the rule of law, saying the command was strengthening its operational preparedness for a peaceful poll.

He urged political stakeholders and youths to shun violence, hate speech and thuggery, and charged officers to remain apolitical and disciplined at polling units, collation centres and campaign grounds.

The commissioner also called on IPAC, PCRC and community leaders to sustain collaboration with the police on intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.