Reps Seeks Community Policing, Natural Disaster Insurance

House of Representatives has asked the inspector-general of police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to implement community policing enshrined in Section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
This followed the adoption of a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Asama Ago (LP, Plateau) at plenary yesterday.

The lawmaker noted that in spite of the numerous resolutions arising from motions, communities still continue to be victims of these heinous attacks, hence the need for community policing.
Ago said the atrocious killings have become incessant in several communities across the federation with recent attacks in Nkienzha community of Bassa LGA, Plateau State.
He stated that the Police Act, 2020 provides for establishment of Community Policing as stipulated explicitly in Section 113, 114, 116 and 117 of the Act.

“113.-(1) says for the effective and efficient policing of communities in a state or Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police of a State shall establish a Community Policing Committee which shall consist of representatives of the Police Force and the local community in the state.

“It says a commissioner of police of a state shall establish a Community Sub-policing Committee at all Divisional Police Headquarters in the states or Federal Capital Territory.

“Subject to section 116 (1) (b) of this Act, the Commissioner of Police and members designated by him from time to time for the purpose, shall be members of the Policing Committees and Sub-Policing Committees established at various police formations.

“114.-(1) says a Commissioner of Police of a state or Federal Capital Territory shall, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the community, establish a Divisional Community Policing Committee in all Police Divisions within the state,” he said.

The lawmaker said despite the commencement of the Police Act (2020), the aspect of community policing is yet to be fully implemented.

Also at plenary, they called for a National Disaster Insurance Scheme, urging relevant ministries and agencies to re-examine the current disaster policy framework and consider implementing a new scheme to ensure public confidence.