Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has said that security was a vital ingredient that would engender peace and transformation in any society.
He posited that his administration would do everything humanly possible to combat crime in the state, even as he expressed the readiness of the state government to assist security agencies in this regard.
The Governor, who was represented by his? deputy, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi made the assertion at a Security Summit with the theme: “Partnership in Community Policing”, organised by the Kogi State Police Community Relations Committee, yesterday in Lokoja.
He stressed the need for the people to assist the law enforcement agents to fight crime, more so that the criminals live in the midst of the people,? adding that their nefarious activities can only be checked when people volunteer information.
He further commended the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies in the state, for their determined efforts in combating crime, assuring that measures have been put in place to protect informants in the state.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd),who was represented by Mrs. Braide Lauren, had earlier in a remark, noted that the survival and socio – economic development of any nation is tied to its security.
He pointed out that the on-going reform in the police force laid emphasis on community policing, training and retraining, so as to be better equipped in fighting crime and terrorism.
The? Minister added that the nation was presently passing through a trying period in its national life, and called on Nigerians to fight criminals and terrorists through community policing.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to accord security and information sharing the seriousness its deserves, so as to enable the country overcome the current challenges.