The Forum of Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Youth Portfolio, Hausawa, Miyetti Allah, and Food Security has appealed to citizens to share information with security agencies to help curb insecurity in Kogi State.
Comr. Godwin SB Emmanuel, Convener and spokesperson for the forum, made this call at a security summit, emphasizing that the war against insecurity can be won with citizens’ cooperation.
The event, themed “Youth Inclusiveness in Security Management of Communities in Kogi State: Prospects and Challenges,” featured a presentation on operational guidelines and code of ethics for youth involvement in community security management by the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command.
Comr. Godwin said the decision to interface with Scavengers, Okada riders, miyetti Allah, comes from the fact that their activities allows them get first hand security information which when shared with security agencies can help check insecurity in the State.
Comr. Godwin described the meeting with those he called critical stakeholders because of the work they do, urged the participants who are leaders and representatives of their members at the meeting to step down the information acquired to enable the realization of the summit’s objectives.
In his remarks, Maximilian Emmanuel Tashilani, Co-convener of the summit reiterated the need to place value on the activities of the Scavengers, Okada and Tricycle operators, pointing out that they are positioned in vantage position in getting information on daily basis.
He stressed that the summit seeks to equip them with primary skills that will enable them decipher criminal elements and report their activities to security agencies.
Chief Dr. Joseph Ameh Erico, a security expert, highlighted the importance of community vigilance, participation in security structures, and cooperation with security agencies in tackling security challenges.
He outlined key points, including the need for citizens to report suspicious activities, join neighborhood watch groups, and verify information before sharing it.
The event aimed to promote youth involvement in community security management and address security challenges in Kogi State.
