The Berom Community Development Association, Abuja (BECA), has joined calls for creating state police across Nigeria. It is necessary to tackle incessant attacks on rural communities and restore public confidence in security.
The newly elected President of BECA, Timothy Choji, made the call in his inaugural address during the inauguration of the 14th Executive Council of the association held in Abuja.
Choji said establishing state police would strengthen community security structures and enable quicker response to threats in vulnerable areas, particularly in Plateau State, where farmers have suffered repeated attacks and destruction of farmlands.
“Permit me also to use this opportunity to call on both the Federal and Plateau State governments to again look into the issue of insecurity bedevilling our communities back home, where our people are facing threats from suspected terrorists,” Choji said.
“Farmers in some parts of the state find it difficult to cultivate their farms. Occasionally, crops almost ready for harvest are deliberately destroyed without provocation. Something urgent has to be done to restore the confidence of the people.
The issue of establishing state police should be treated with the urgency it deserves, as it may go a long way in addressing the menace.”
Choji urged members of the Berom community residing in Abuja and its environs to continue to live peacefully with their host communities and uphold the values of unity and mutual respect that define the Berom people.
“I also call on the Beroms residing in Abuja and environs to continue to live in peace with their host communities, as the Berom people have always done. This will enhance peaceful coexistence and unity for the nation’s progress,” he said.
He appealed to members to put aside personal differences and support the new executive council in pursuing a collective vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and united association.
“I enjoin all members of this great association to put aside our differences and support the new EXCO as we work towards a common goal — a prosperous, peaceful, and united BECA.”
The new BECA President pledged to lead an inclusive and progressive administration focused on youth empowerment, economic development, cultural preservation, and peaceful coexistence.
He described his emergence as “the dawn of a new era for the Berom Community in Abuja,” assuring members that the new executive would uphold unity, transparency, and service in all its dealings.
Choji, who succeeded Engr. David G. Dung, commended the immediate past leadership for its selfless service and commitment to transparent elections that produced the new executive.
“Engr. Dung’s leadership in the last six years cannot be forgotten. We appreciate the selfless service you rendered together with the other executives who served with you,” he said.
In line with BECA’s constitution, Choji announced the appointment of Rw Ayuba Dusu (Uke Branch) as Provost, Rw Pam Joshua (Airport Road Branch) as Auditor, and Hwa Simi Walshak Pam (Garki Branch) as Legal Adviser.
He also congratulated the newly elected executives of the BECA Youth Forum. He urged them to uphold the association’s ideals and work closely with the main body to achieve shared goals.
Outlining his administration’s priorities, the President listed youth empowerment through education and skills acquisition, enhancing economic opportunities to reduce poverty and unemployment, preserving Berom cultural heritage, and promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among members and sister communities as key focus areas.
Choji used the platform to appeal again to the Federal and Plateau State governments to take swift action to address the insecurity that continues to threaten farming communities across the state.
Community leaders, elders, youth representatives, and guests attended the inauguration ceremony. They expressed optimism that the new leadership would reposition the association for greater service to its members and society.
