Global Peace Development, International Alert promote mutual accountability between Police, communities in Jema’a LG of Kaduna

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By Ahmad A. Usman, Kafanchan

In a bid to foster stronger ties between the police and local communities, Global Peace Development (GPD), in collaboration with International Alert, organized an interactive session with the Kaduna State Police Command and community stakeholders from Gidan Waya, Goska, and Dangoma in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The event, tagged Mutual Accountability Project, was held at the Women and Girls Safe Space Centre in Goska. It brought together stakeholders, including village heads, community organizations, women and youth leaders, who advocated for a more people-friendly approach from the Nigerian Police.

During the session, participants highlighted pressing concerns such as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), extortion, harassment, and other human rights violations perpetrated by some police officers.

Responding to the issues raised, the Kaduna State Police Command, represented by its spokesperson DSP Mansir Hassan, assured the stakeholders that the concerns would be addressed. He pledged to restore the force’s past glory while urging individuals and communities to remain law-abiding and promptly report any human rights violations by police officers.

Hassan also emphasized the importance of community intervention and the promotion of community policing.

Ebruke Onajije Esike, the Executive Director of Global Peace Development, underscored the importance of collaboration between the police and communities to enhance public safety and security. He noted that the session aimed to identify challenges in police-community engagement and prepare for a forthcoming joint meeting focused on police accountability and mutual engagement.

Esike further highlighted the relevance of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, emphasizing that effective collaboration between citizens and the police is critical for ensuring public safety. He commended the session for fostering a shared understanding that partnership is key to addressing security challenges.

The event was hailed as a significant step towards building trust and accountability between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.