Council Chair Urges Stronger Communities, Security Agencies Collaboration

Mr Peter Averik, Chairman, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has called for stronger partnership between communities and security agencies in the fight against crime in the area.
Averik made the call on Friday during a meeting with some district heads and youths’ representatives from four wards of the council.
The meeting, which discussed issues bordering on peace and security, was organised by the Community Development Charter (CDC) Champions in collaboration with Fantswam Foundation.
According to him, the Community Policing initiative of the Federal Government could not have come at a better time given the rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, drug abuse, rape and other forms of crimes.
He advised communities to take advantage of the initiative to strengthen their vigilance groups as it would help in securing their localities.
Averik noted that with community policing in place, it would serve as a veritable point of contact for the security agents, especially during emergency situations.
The chairman implored people in the area to remain united and embrace dialogue and other available lawful means of arbitration and amicable resolution of grievances.
He used the occasion to update the people on the development plans of Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s administration in Jema’a, such as the urban renewal policy, installation of streets solar lights and roads renovation among others.
Averik appreciated the Fantswam Foundation and the CDC Champions of Jema’a Local Government for their foresight in organising the peace meeting, which he described as laudable.
He called on other civil society groups and associations operating in the local government to emulate the gesture.