The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State , Mr Dipo Ayeni, has appealed to the State House of Assembly to legislate on vigilance groups to stem recurring attacks on rural communities.
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Ayeni made the suggestion yesterday in Jos when he received the seven-man committee set up by the House to investigate the incessant midnight attacks on those communities that have led the death of scores of people.
The Commissioner said that such legislation would strengthen communities under siege to organise their own security? so as to complement the efforts of other security agencies.
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He advised the Plateau State Government to step up efforts to empower the youth and engage them in gainful ventures even as he pointed out that leaving so many young people on the streets was dangerous.
“Once the youth are engaged, their vulnerability is reduced significantly and it will be difficult to convince them to abandon their means of livelihood to take part in terrorising members of the public,’’ Ayeni said.
The police commissioner noted that peace and security were crucial to development and advised all residents to see security as the responsibility of all.
Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Mr Istifanus Mwansat, had told the police commissioner that the Assembly members were disturbed by the bloodletting in the land and were out to put an end to it.
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“What we want to do is to get everyone involved in the effort toward a peaceful Plateau. We will go to any length to get all stakeholders’ input to achieve the goal.’’
The committee members also visited the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria where its Chairman,? Reverend Philip Dafes, suggested the erection of mini barracks at flash points to protect the people. (NAN)
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