The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has emphasized the need for continued cooperation from communities nationwide in the fight against insecurity and the promotion of peace.
Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Ogbona Divisional Police Headquarters and an ICT-enabled Command and Control Centre in Ogbona, Etsako Central LGA, Edo State, Egbetokun, represented by AIG Arungwa Nwaziue Udo of Zone 5 Benin, stressed the importance of community involvement in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
The event, which took place on Saturday, was also marked by the presentation of a police patrol vehicle and four motorcycles to the Nigeria Police by the Ogbona community.
The new police facility was funded and built through a partnership between the Ogbona Youth Forum and prominent indigene Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, also known as Peter Black.
The IGP praised the Ogbona initiative as a groundbreaking moment, highlighting the police’s ongoing commitment to improved service delivery.
He emphasized the vital role of community support in ensuring peace and security, noting, “We are living in a modern world and high-tech policing is inevitable these days. This plays a pivotal role in tracking and monitoring people who have criminal intentions. We (Police) cannot be everywhere at the same time, hence we need public-sustained support. Policing is everybody’s business, and communal efforts in this regard will not go in vain.”
The Executive Director of Inter-Atlas Synergy Limited, Mr. Dunia, also addressed the gathering, urging the Nigeria Police to incorporate Information and Communications Technology in their operations.
He underscored the significance of Public Private Partnerships in addressing insecurity, stressing that security forms the foundation for development.
He shared his motivation for the project, saying, “The decision to embark on this project was borne out of a deep conviction: the belief that security is the bedrock of development. Without peace and safety, no society can thrive, businesses cannot flourish, and families cannot prosper.”
He further stated, “To us, this new Divisional Police Station is more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope, unity, and progress. It is equipped with modern facilities that will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our Police Force in safeguarding lives and property. I am confident that it will serve as a beacon of security, not just for Ogbona, but for neighbouring communities as well.”
Mr. Dunia urged the community to take ownership of the new police facility, stressing collective responsibility for security, “Support the officers, report incidents promptly, and work hand in hand to create an environment where everyone feels safe and protected. Security is a collective responsibility, and together we can achieve remarkable results.”
The National President of Ogbona Youth Forum, Paulinus Eleta, also expressed his satisfaction with the project, noting that it would significantly improve security within the Edo North zone, particularly given the current threats of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He added, “OYF, as the premier youth organisation in Ogbona community, is committed to bridging the obvious gap that existed in the areas of human and physical development in our community.”
Eleta revealed that the Ogbona Youth Forum is already planning its next project, a skill acquisition center aimed at enhancing human capital development for both indigenous and non-indigenous youths.
Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-South region, Chief Dan Orbih, also spoke at the event, calling for a strong collaboration between society and the Nigeria Police to foster peace and security.
He urged efforts to change the negative security trends affecting the country.
The event underscored the importance of community engagement in tackling the country’s security challenges, as well as the role of partnerships in creating a safer, more prosperous society.
