A coalition of civil society groups has inaugurated a peace and security committee to address rising crime and insecurity in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The coalition includes Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), Stakeholder Democratic Network, and Search for Common Ground.
At the event on Wednesday, PIND’s Programme Coordinator, Mr Faith Etukudo, said the initiative reflects a community-based strategy to combat violence and promote safety.
He added that the effort aligns with the European Union’s broader goal of curbing insecurity across the Niger Delta.
“The 25-menber committee is to work towards achieving sustainable peace in the local government area.
“The committee is made up credible community representatives, youths, women, security personnel, amongst others,” he said.
He also urged the committee to identify criminals and drug peddlers in the local government area and sensitise them to embrace change.
“You are further urged to identify national anti-crime policies that have yet to take effect at the local government and community levels.
“Do well to identify issues that require policy or institutional change. We need to enthrone the right changes to make the society better,” he said.
Responding, the committee Chairman, Debewari Tarila said that more of the sensitisation would be done at the community level.
Tarila, also the Secretary, Yenagoa Local Government Council, expressed the committee’s resolve to undertake its task without fear of favour.
“We urge every stakeholder to support the committee. The need to stamp out crime and insecurity in the local government area has become highly critical.
“Our youths are urged to turn a new leaf, they should be good ambassadors of their communities,” he said.
Mrs Seiyefa Otuogha, the Woman Leader, Nedugo Agbia Community, Yenagoa, said that parents had critical roles to play in the campaign against crime and insecurity in Yenagoa.
“Parents must not give up on their children, we must follow them up until they understand the need to be law abiding, it will serve the society better,” she said.
