Stakeholders Advocate Community Policing at Igede Summit

The 2026 Igede Agba Security Summit and Stakeholders’ Meeting took place on September 3, 2026, at the Assemblies of God Church in Oju local government area, Benue State, as part of the Igede Agba Cultural Festival. Convened by Rt.

Hon. David Ogewu, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on the Army and representative of Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, the summit focused on strengthening community participation in security matters. Chaired by Professor Adagba Okpaga, the event attracted various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, security chiefs, and political leaders.

Participants identified issues such as declining public trust in security agencies, youth unemployment, and criminal activities as contributing factors to insecurity in the region. The summit condemned corruption and extortion by some security personnel and called for reforms to improve access to justice.

Stakeholders recognized the role of traditional institutions and military personnel in maintaining peace and resolved to enhance community policing to involve citizens actively in crime prevention.