Protocols
I write with tears in my eyes and pains in my heart. You may wonder why? I am a bonafide citizen of Lokoja where my placenta was buried. Today I opened my heart and all I see was a black hole, Lokoja is getting darker, and the heart of the Youth is becoming darker, as time is tickling away my conscience keeps pricking me. I hail from a place that is getting displaced, and I can’t stand face to face with the situation of this place in my pace as some places are becoming a disgrace. Permit me to draw your attention to the sad situation of Kasuwan Ruwa area of Lokoja.
Overtime, there have been a nexus between Drug Abuse, Cultism and Insecurities in the above mentioned area which I feel if the evil is allowed to be in motion, unchecked, it will become uncontrollable; worthy of note, as a matter of urgency, is the rate of Drug Abuse, Cultism and Insecurity in this area that is not far fetch from the fact that those involved, 90% by research findings, needs Mental Rehabilitation not detainment by security agencies. The reason being that when detained and if released from detention the mental health does not change so therefore, I recommend institutionalizing a committee that would be on ground to have a first hand account of recent moral lapses in this area.
I would want you to know that a fire brigade approach will not be enough without complementaty measures to prevent re-occurence because security outlets needs to inspire public confidence. It is of high importance to identify those involve in the act which would be achieved by the committee.
This further calls for sensitization in this Area through this same committee. Also increasing the number of the Security personnels in this area and reviewing security operations from sedentary to surveillance system 24/7 while lighting should be provided in the area mostly at night.
We could achieve reducing the number of crimes by substantial percentage within, say the next 4months while evaluating performance and increase in efficiency. Furthermore, as this area has become potential hotspot for promotion of Cultism, Drug Abuse and other forms of Banditry we may consider declaring a Democratically runned Security Vision as I propose ” OPERATION TOTAL WAR ON DRUG, CULTISM AND INSECURITY” (OTWODCI).
Sequel to above mention we may consider a community based security volunteer program that could be strengthened by making it attractive, as we may consider certain incentives for volunteers in a drive to ensure continuity.
In conclusion, the strategies and tactics applied towards solving this problem should be dynamic and constantly need to be reviewed as security is always a work in progress. We may consider a plan-do-check-act approach and by institutionalizing the proposed solutions. I further propose you inaugurate a powerful implementation committee that will take weekly security report and follow through to ensure total execution of plans.
The security of Lokoja as a whole is a job for everyone and by having a common sense purpose and stated consequence; we can make Lokoja LGA one of the most secured in Kogi State. In the nearest future I foresee other Local Governments copying Lokoja as an example.
Accept my sincere Regards.
Thanks.
Activist Farouq N. Musa,
Dean, Students Affairs,
Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna.
