The Police Service Commission has announced the appointment of Mr. Beneth Igwe as the new Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, alongside other key appointments. The approval comes in the wake of the promotion of 14 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive ranks of Commissioners of Police.

Igwe’s recent assignment follows his appointment on January 17 as the Commander of the FCT Special Intervention Squad by Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun. Prior to this, he held the position of DCP, OPs in the FCT Command.

In a statement released by the Police Service Commission spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, on Wednesday, other newly appointed state Commissioners of Police include Peter Opara (Osun State), Olughemiga Adesina (Benue State), Akinwale Adeniran (Ekiti State Command), and Mohammed Abba (Adamawa State Command).

Notable among the appointments is Abaniwonda Olufemi, former CP Force Secretary’s office, now posted to Delta State Command, and Ademola Ayilara, former DCP State CID Lagos Command, heading the Akwa Ibom State Command.

Dr. Solomon Arase, the PSC Chairman, emphasized to the new CPs the importance of rebuilding public trust through robust partnerships with the public. He stressed that effective and efficient leadership in ensuring the security of lives and properties should be their priority. The Chairman pledged ongoing support from the commission while cautioning that no excuses for failure would be accepted.

The Nigeria’s House of Representatives issued a call on Tuesday urging the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and heads of other security agencies to deploy additional personnel to troubled areas in Plateau and Ekiti States. This move aims to stem the tide of killings in these regions.

The resolution came following the adoption of motions of urgent public importance presented by Ishaya Lalu and Akin Rotimi, members representing Bokkos/Mangu and Ikole/Oye Federal Constituencies of Plateau and Ekiti States, respectively.

Highlighting the urgent need for action, Lalu, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on House Services, recalled the recent attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in over 50 deaths, injuries, and significant property destruction. The House called for the establishment of a Civilian Joint Task Force in Plateau State and initiated a committee to investigate the causes of the recurring attacks.

Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, emotionally led the discussion on the increasing criminal activities in Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency, particularly addressing the loss of lives and properties. He described the constituency as exposed to peculiar security challenges due to its forests, topography, and dilapidated roads.

The House observed a minute of silence in honor of the deceased and urged the Chief of Army Staff to redeploy military forces to the outpost along the Oke-Ako area. Additionally, they directed security agencies to deploy more personnel to Ekiti North 1, work towards bringing the perpetrators to justice, and rescue the abducted school children and teachers in Emure Ekiti. The Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency were also urged to rehabilitate the Ayedun to Irele road and other roads in the Federal Constituency promptly.

The Oyo State House of Assembly is poised to combat the troubling trend of attacks on innocent citizens, particularly by Fulani herders in Oriire Local Government and other regions of the state. Lawmakers expressed their unanimous commitment to addressing this menace during discussions prompted by a motion sponsored by Hon. Johnson Ogundele, the representative for Oriire State Constituency.

Hon. Ogundele presented the motion, emphasizing the urgency of the situation, citing two recent incidents of attacks and killings by Fulani herders within a nine-day period in Oriire Local Government. Describing the acts as inhumane and barbaric in a civilized society, he highlighted a specific case in Ogbomosho communities where a victim, Mr. Amusa Kareem, had his left hand completely severed by the herders.

In response, the Speaker of the House, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, presiding over the session, asserted the commitment of the House leadership to address the security challenges. He stated the intention to convene discussions to identify parameters for curbing insecurity in the state, emphasizing the need to engage various state and local security agencies, monarchs, farmers, and other relevant bodies in different zones.

The House urged the Ministry of Justice and all security agencies in the state to rigorously enforce the Oyo State Open Rearing and Anti-Grazing Law under Omituntun 2.0. This measure aims to address the menace of attacks and prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents perpetrated by Fulani herders on citizens.