By Roseline Okafor, Karu
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Karu Area Command, has laid the foundation for the construction of a multi-purpose hall at the Area Command Headquarters in New Karu, Nasarawa State, as part of efforts to strengthen community policing and promote peaceful coexistence.
The foundation-laying ceremony, held on Saturday, brought together police officers, PCRC members, traditional rulers and other community stakeholders, marking a significant step towards enhancing police-community collaboration in Karu and its environs.
Speaking at the event, the Area Commander, Karu Area Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Tunde Osuman, commended the PCRC members for their commitment and selfless contributions to effective community policing and security.
Osuman described the committee as a vital link between the police and the public, stressing that sustainable peace and security could only be achieved through active community participation.
He pledged his financial and moral support for the project and urged PCRC members to remain proactive, dedicated and committed to their responsibilities.
PCRC Multi-Purpose Hall to Boost Community Policing
In his remarks, Ibrahim Babayo, Vice Chairman, Special Duties, who represented the Nasarawa State PCRC Chairman, Dr. Mandy Abuluya, praised the Karu Area Command for initiating the project.
Babayo described the initiative as the first of its kind in the state, commending the leadership of the Karu Command for its foresight and commitment to strengthening community-police relations.
He explained that the completed facility would provide a suitable venue for meetings, training sessions, conflict-resolution engagements and other activities designed to improve cooperation between the police and residents.
The state PCRC representative also called on other area commands across Nasarawa State to emulate the initiative, noting that similar projects could contribute to the overall development of the committee and improve community policing across the state.
Dr. Michael Bello Reaffirms Commitment to Community-Based Policing
Earlier, the Chairman of the PCRC, Karu Area Command, Dr. Michael Bello, expressed gratitude to individuals, organisations and groups that had supported the committee’s activities.
He said the foundation-laying ceremony demonstrated the achievements that could be recorded through unity, collective responsibility and a shared commitment to community development.
Bello reaffirmed his commitment to purposeful and people-oriented leadership, assuring residents that the PCRC under his watch would continue to promote community-based policing, mutual trust and stronger relationships between security agencies and the communities they serve.
He appealed to well-meaning individuals, corporate organisations and government authorities to support the project to ensure its timely completion.
Traditional Rulers Pledge Support for PCRC Project
Other speakers at the event, including representatives of the Esu of Ajiri and the Sarkin Hausawa of Mararaba, Alhaji Adam Usman Mani, pledged their support for the PCRC initiative.
The traditional representatives emphasised the importance of peace, unity and harmonious coexistence among residents, noting that traditional institutions had a responsibility to support initiatives capable of improving security and strengthening community relations.
They expressed their willingness to work with the PCRC to advance the shared goal of maintaining peace and fostering understanding among the people.
The ceremony climaxed with the formal laying of foundation blocks by the Area Commander, traditional rulers and PCRC leadership, followed by prayers for the successful completion of the multi-purpose hall.
When completed, the facility is expected to serve as a centre for community engagement, training, conflict resolution and other activities aimed at strengthening police-community partnerships in Karu and surrounding communities.