Adamawa Governor Joins Call For Community Policing

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In the aftermath of the Jambutu bombing in Jimeta-Yola, the Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Umar Jibrilla, is calling for community policing.

The Governor believes it will help reduce the increasing suicide attacks on places of worship in the north-east Nigerian State.

A suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Jambutu on Friday, killing at least 30 persons and injuring over 40 others.

Governor Jibrilla, who convened an Emergency Security Committee meeting shortly after receiving a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr David Lawal, on Saturday October 24.

The meeting, which lasted several hours, took far reaching decisions which include the need to intensify prayers and massive Public Enlightenment among many others.

In attendance were His Royal Highness the Lamido Adamawa Dr. Muhammad Mustapha, all the Service Commanders in Yola, Chairman Adamawa State House of Assembly Committee on Security, the Attorney-General of the State, the Chief of Staff to the Governor and the Commissioner for Information.

The meeting reviewed the security situation in the state taking note of attacks on isolated communities in Madagali Local Government Area as well as the Jambutu bombing.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Ahmad Sajoh, said “it was observed that these desperate acts of cowardly attacks on soft target are as a result of the fact that the insurgents have been degraded as a fighting force and have also been smoked out of their hiding places”.

The meeting resolved to step-up Public Enlightenment in the state using conventional media as well as traditional media such as public address vans, town criers, posters, handbills in addition to the use of radio and television Jingles.

Security alertness was considered paramount, with the public encouraged to partner with security forces in mounting vigorous vigilance in all communities in Adamawa State.

The meeting resolved that all traditional rulers the state must be engaged in the process of community policing.

“Traditional Rulers were to support Government and the Security Agencies in public enlightenment, monitoring movements, identifying strange persons and coordinating the activities of local vigilantes and hunters within communities,” the statement read.

Abuse Of Drug And Criminal Activities 

The meeting also called for constant prayers in all communities including Special Eid Prayers by Muslims and Special Crusades by Christian groups to seek God’s intervention in the process of securing communities in the state.

Another very serious issue discussed was the connection between abuse of drug related substances and criminal activities including terrorism.

The meeting resolved to equally combat drug abuse and include issues of drug abuse in all public enlightenment matters.

It was further resolved that the youth would form a special target in formulating policies on security.

At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that an expanded security committee involving Service Commanders, Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders would be convened by the Governor to re-design a new Security Architecture for the state.

“This is to be a matter of urgency so as to actualise community policing, increased vigilance, intensified prayer sessions and Public Enlightenment.

“The Commissioner for Information is to equally convene a meeting of all Media Executives and other stakeholders including NOA to create a blueprint for Public Awareness in the state,” the statement further read.