Igede security summit: Stakeholders demand community policing, youth empowerment

Stakeholders at the 2026 Igede Agba Security Summit and Stakeholders’ Meeting have called for stronger community participation in security matters, improved collaboration with security agencies and deliberate government action to tackle youth unemployment and insecurity in Oju/Obi Federal Constituency of Benue state.

The summit, held on September 3, 2026, at the Assemblies of God Church, Secretariat Road, Oju local government area, was organised as part of activities marking the 2026 Igede Agba Cultural Festival.

The high-level security summit, themed “Strengthening Community Participation and National Security for Sustainable Development,” was convened by the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and Deputy Chairman, House Committee on the Army, Rt. Hon. David Ogewu.

The event was chaired by Professor Adagba Okpaga and attracted traditional rulers, security chiefs, political leaders, religious leaders, organised labour, youths, women, students, farmers, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders from within and outside the constituency.

Among those represented at the summit were the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; the Benue State Command of the Department of State Services; the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency; the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; and the Nigeria Police Force.

The summit observed that insecurity remained a major challenge across the country, noting that Oju and Obi local government areas were not immune to the situation.

It also identified declining public trust in security agencies, misinformation and disinformation on social media, youth unemployment, displacement, drug abuse, cultism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality as factors contributing to insecurity.

Participants expressed concern that many citizens were reluctant to report security incidents because of perceived inefficiency and poor handling of complaints by some security personnel.

The summit also condemned alleged corruption and collusion between some individuals in society and criminal elements, particularly the reported extortion and bribery at security checkpoints.

It further raised concerns over alleged extortion of citizens seeking bail for relatives and associates, calling for reforms that would make access to justice more affordable, transparent and fair.

However, the stakeholders commended the traditional institution in Igede for what they described as its contribution to the relative peace enjoyed in the area. Particular recognition was given to the Adirahu Nyi’Igede, His Royal Highness Chief Oga Ero, a retired Commissioner of Police.

The summit also acknowledged the contributions of Rt. Hon. David Ogewu and military personnel stationed in the area towards sustaining peace in Oju/Obi and its environs.

To address the security challenges, participants resolved to strengthen community policing by positioning citizens as active partners in crime prevention and security, rather than passive observers.