Communication Gap Led to #EndSARS Crisis – Former IGP

Absence of community policing led to killings, maiming and destruction of property that characterised the recent EndSARS protests across Nigeria.

Former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun made the assertion in Osogbo during a Community Policing Sensitisation Campaign organised by the Osun State Police Command.

He said community policing would have totally removed areas of rancor that led to EndSARS.

“That communication gap that led to this ENDSARS pandemonium would have been avoided if community policing have been put in place properly.

“We should not allow gap to exist between Nigerian community and police. If we do we are inviting anarchy. There will be absence of peace. There should be a symbiotic relationship between the Nigerian police and other security agencies.

“All of us who are retired Inspector General of Police still regard police institution as our primary constituency. Nigeria community is our own. Police institution exists within Nigeria community, that is we are all out to breach the communication gap that exists between the police and Nigerian community.

“I make bold to say that by the grace of God that I introduced community policing into Nigerian police when I was IG. We started in Enugu and moved to other States. In Nigeria, there is no continuity of community policing was abandoned after then. 16 years after I can see that community policing is back and I m happy and vindicated”, he said.

IGP Balogun (Rtd) berated the killings, maiming and attack on policemen, barracks and police stations during EndSARS protests and wondered why the police could not defend themselves in the face of attack.

He said “Self defence is the first law of nature. You have the right to defend yourself and others from being attacked. It is a natural law to defend yourself, the constitution, penal codes, all allow self defence. Do not forget that you have the right to defend yourself. We pray that does not occur any more.

The former IG however recommended a “Rectangular Synergy’ for a concept of community policing to exit between the police and the community, government as well as traditional institutions.

“For the police, they must continue to be professional, humane in tackling problematic situations. The Community have to be cooperative, supportive and be sources of information network for security agencies. Government must continue to support the police in terms of emoluments, salaries, boost their morale”, he said.

Represented by his Deputy, Finance and Administration, DCP Obafunke Reis, the State Commissioner of Police, Undie Andie said reinvigorating community policing is to strategically tackle insecurity challenges confronting the nation considering peculiarities of different communities.

He appealed to stakeholders to embrace the concept and give support to assist in reduction of crime.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola who was represented by his deputy assured the police of his continued support just as he promised to redouble effort in securing live and property of the people.