Former I-G Arase seeks inclusion of traditional rulers to tackle insecurity

Former Inspector-General of Police (I-G) Solomon Arase on Sunday called for the inclusion of traditional rulers in tackling insecurity in the country.

Arase made the call at a security summit orgsnised by Almalgamated Afemai Forum (AAF) held in Auchi, Edo.

Arase described the traditional institution as an integral component needed to solve insecurity, saying that traditional rulers have better knowledge of their domains.

According to him, sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the active engagement of the royal fathers in the fight against insecurity and other social vices.

“The traditional rulers are the eyes of the people in their various communities

“We have to go back to incorporate traditional institutions into our security architectures.

“Taking away the security from the traditional rulers to local government chairmen is responsible for the insecurity in the country,” he said.

The former I-G reiterated calls for community policing, while canvassing synergy among all security agencies to address the challenges.

The Chairman of the AAF, Dr Mustapha Lecky, said strengthening of security institutions and consulting with local authorities and stakeholders would go a long way in achieving security and peace in Edo North Senatorial District.

“This programme is to provide opportunity for stakeholders to engage in conversations aimed at putting an end to insecurity in our area,” he said.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki who was a special guest at the event said the state government had put in place a security architecture for community policing.

Obaseki, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Jimoh Ijegbai, said, “We have set up a security network with the local vigilantes to protect lives and properties.

“We look forward to partner with you to make our state safe and secured,” he said.

Earlier, the convener of the programme, Dr Bright Aregs, said the summit was to discuss the insecurity in Edo North and to proffer solutions to it.

Aregs said that the organisation was to raise a sum N5 billion security trust fund for effective policing of the area.

“This summit is to raise huge amount of money for the strategies to combat crime in the senatorial district

“It is our responsibility that at the end of today we will neutralise insecurity in our land,” he said.