Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau State

The Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong on Friday inaugurated a 17-member State Advisory Committee on community policing.

The committee is expected to supervise and guide the state government in the implementation of the community policing policy programme.

According to NAN, Lalong, in a brief speech at the ceremony, said that the committee was the highest custodian of community policing matters in the state.

He said that the committee comprised of critical stakeholders such as the Chairman, Council of Chiefs and Emirs, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, and the Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka.

“With this array of distinguished personalities assembled in this Committee, I have no doubt that the massive wealth of experience gathered by them will be deployed into providing leadership that will make community policing a success.

“The Federal Government, which nominated you for this critical assignment, shall be expecting nothing less than your very best.

“In the same vein, the government and people of Plateau will also be looking up to you to act in the best interest of peace and security,” he said.

Lalong charged the members to be focused and resolute in carrying out their assignment, urging them to shun every distraction that could arise from religious, ethnic or political pressures.

“You should also be determined to overcome any attempt by criminals and their sponsors to drag you into controversies.

“You must resist these tendencies by remaining faithful and patriotic to your task,” he advised.

In his remarks earlier, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu, commended Lalong’s efforts toward tackling security issues.

He said that community policing was to complement duties of the Police Force.

The IGP was represented by his deputy in charge of Development and Training, Mr Shehu Lawal.

According to him, other committees to work with the advisory committee were the Area command and Divisional Police advisory committees on community policing.

He explained that the latter would work with ward heads and local government chairmen.