Mistrust: Lecturer urges security agencies to educate communities on prosecution processes

Dr. Aondowase Targba, a lecturer with the Federal University of Gusau, has urged security agencies to educate communities on legal prosecution processes to reduce mistrust between them and the public.

Targba gave the advice on Friday in Gusau during a roundtable discussion between security agencies and community leaders, organized by Alert International and the Cleen Foundation.

He said providing such knowledge will ensure that communities preserve and present evidence wherever they report suspected criminals.

“Most times, people report criminals to security personnel, and eventually the person will be set free.

“This is because the community cannot provide legal evidence to prosecute the suspect due to ignorance of the laws.

“By educating citizens on the laws surrounding the persecution process, the civil-military relationship will be harmonious, and security agents will get the needed cooperation from the communities,” the lecturer added.

The Country Director, International Alert, Paul-Bemshima Nyulaku, said the round table was for security agencies and community leaders to x-ray the challenges in the fight against banditry and other crimes in Zamfara

According to him, security agents alone cannot handle the challenges without the support and cooperation of civilians.

He also implored security agencies to avoid collateral damage as much as possible.

“In every war, collateral damage must be minimized if not avoided,” Nyulaku added.

The Program Manager, International Alert, Anicetus Atakpu, said that the engagement was to strengthen collaboration between the civil populace and security agencies in tackling all forms of criminality.