After yet another deadly assault in Plateau State, where dozens were killed in a single night, calls are intensifying for urgent security reform as Pelumi Olajengbesi warns that delays in adopting community policing could leave vulnerable communities exposed to relentless attacks.
The recent wave of violence has reignited urgent demands for the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of community policing, a strategy many believe could stem the recurring bloodshed across the Middle Belt.
Olajengbesi, in a statement released on Friday, condemned last Sunday’s attack in the Angwan Rukuba district, where at least 27 residents were killed. He described the incident as deeply disturbing, particularly as it occurred on Palm Sunday, raising concerns about a possible religious undertone.
“Heartfelt condolences to the good people of Plateau State over the killing of over two-dozen residents last Sunday,” he said. “The latest attack, orchestrated on Palm Sunday, raises suspicion of a religious dimension, which is totally condemnable.”
He called on the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force to move beyond assurances and urgently roll out the long-discussed community policing framework. According to him, involving local communities in intelligence gathering and grassroots security would significantly improve response times and prevent further attacks.
Olajengbesi stressed that the persistent killings highlight deeper flaws in Nigeria’s centralized security architecture, which he argued has struggled to address localized threats effectively. Community policing, he said, would help bridge the gap between citizens and security agencies, fostering trust and improving information flow.
He also reminded the government of its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, citing Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He warned that continued inaction risks further loss of lives and growing public distrust in state institutions.
“The primary responsibility of government is to provide security for her citizens,” he stated. “The era of empty promises by security agencies must come to an end. Nigerians deserve more than assurances—they deserve protection.”
The lawyer further linked insecurity to economic stagnation, noting that persistent violence discourages investment and disrupts livelihoods, particularly in agrarian communities across Plateau and neighbouring states.
“Quick implementation of the community policing initiative will, in no small way, drastically reduce the spate of attacks on Plateau and the entire Middle Belt. Security is key to economic prosperity, and this cannot be overemphasised,” he added.
The latest killings add to a growing list of violent incidents in the region, often driven by a complex mix of ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, and criminal activity. Despite repeated pledges by authorities, residents continue to live under the shadow of fear.
As pressure mounts, Olajengbesi’s call underscores a broader consensus among stakeholders: without swift and decisive security reforms, particularly through community-based strategies, the cycle of violence in Plateau may persist unchecked.
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