Lawyers Alert Inaugurates 22-Member Committee to Prevent Fresh Attacks in Yelewata

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Lawyers Alert has inaugurated a 22-member Community Policing Committee (CPC) in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security, promote collaboration with security agencies and prevent a recurrence of attacks in the area.

The committee was inaugurated under the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) project, implemented by Lawyers Alert with support from the United Kingdom-funded SPRiNG programme.

The 22-member committee comprises representatives of traditional and religious institutions, women, youths, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and security agencies, including the police, military, Benue State Civil Protection Guard, Joint Task Force and vigilante groups.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Programme Manager of the PCPS project and Legal Adviser to Lawyers Alert, Solumtochukwu Ozobulu, said the committee was constituted by members of the community to guarantee inclusive participation in addressing security challenges.

She explained that the committee would spearhead the development and implementation of community-driven peace, safety and security initiatives through an action plan tailored to address Yelewata’s peculiar security needs.

Ozobulu emphasised that effective security management required active collaboration between residents and security agencies, noting that information sharing would be difficult without mutual trust and partnership.

She disclosed that members would undergo capacity-building programmes covering early warning and early response mechanisms, dialogue, mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to equip them with the necessary skills to perform their responsibilities effectively.

She further revealed that the SPRiNG programme, supported by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through Tetra Tech, was facilitating the expansion of the initiative to three communities in Benue State: Yelewata in Guma, Ayele in Agatu and Ikovwe in Katsina-Ala.

According to her, the PCPS model had been implemented for about four years, with Gbajimba and Katsina-Ala town among the first communities to benefit from the initiative through Lawyers Alert.

She added that the achievements recorded in the two communities informed the adoption of the model by the Benue State Government in February 2026, while the SPRiNG programme was supporting its expansion to other communities.

Also speaking, the Head of Development Cooperation at the British High Commission, Cynthia Rowe, congratulated residents of Yelewata for taking ownership of the initiative and demonstrating commitment to rebuilding peace.

Rowe sympathised with the community over the loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement caused by previous attacks, particularly those experienced last year.

She described the inauguration as a practical step towards preventing a recurrence of violence and urged residents to work together to restore trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
The British official particularly highlighted the importance of women’s participation in peacebuilding, noting that sustainable peace was more achievable when women were actively involved in decision-making.

She expressed optimism that Guma would become an example of how communities affected by conflict could rebuild trust and achieve lasting peace through collective action.

The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, Maurice Orwough, represented by Christopher Waku, assured the committee that the council would support the initiative to ensure its success.

Similarly, the Kindred Head of Yelewata community, Zaki John Kpan, pledged the cooperation of residents and urged committee members to remain committed to their responsibilities.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, commended Lawyers Alert and its partners for the initiative, assuring them of the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

Har urged committee members to work collectively, exercise caution in handling security information and avoid exposing themselves to danger. He also cautioned them against violating the rights of residents while carrying out their duties.

The Director-General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd.), represented by Thomas Anum, described the PCPS model as tested and effective, urging the committee to remain dedicated to its assignment.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, also commended Lawyers Alert and the Bureau of Homeland Security, describing the initiative as important for intelligence sharing, crime prevention, collaboration with security agencies and the protection of lives and property.

The Head of the Community Policing Committee in Gbajimba, Titus Agbadu, recalled that the initiative had contributed to improved security in the community and commended Lawyers Alert for introducing the model.

The Assistant Director, North Central Zone, Police Service Commission, Enoche Egwurube, assured that the commission would continue to support the programme.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, Jacob Anya pledged that members would prioritise timely intelligence sharing, strengthen relationships between residents and security agencies and work towards preventing a recurrence of the unfortunate security incidents in Yelewata.

The inauguration attracted community members, stakeholders and international partners.