The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar has called for the support of state governments and corporate bodies in the country in addressing security challenges.
Speaking Saturday at the South-West sensitisation and community partnership workshop with the theme, “Enhancing national security through intelligence and community partnership” at Kakanfo Conference Centre, Ibadan, the IG said the police as a body was saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of its citizenry.
The IG, represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-West, Abdulraman Akano, said there was a need for stakeholders, especially governors, commissioners, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, lawyers and other components of the society, to collaborate with the police in tackling problem of security.
“There is need for state governors and council bosses to invest more on security. They should invest on security to protect the lives and property of the public.
“Security should not be left in the hands of Federal Government alone. It is the joint responsibility of all stakeholders.
“The concept of this workshop is to bridge the gap between the police and the public and sensitise citizens on the need to complement the police in the task of internal security management. We intend to bridge the gap between the citizens and the police.”
Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in his remarks, said his administration would continue to work closely with the police to achieve sustainable peace.
Represented by his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, the governor said the state was in a condition of lawlessness and commended the police for their roles in tackling the problem of insecurity in the state.
An activist and human rights lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, also speaking at the workshop, called for legalisation of ammunition for citizens for self defence.
He said, “How can the police with population that is less than 400,000 protect over 140 million Nigerians?”
