Guma Community Policing Committee Holds Town Hall Meeting to Address Security Challenges

A Town Hall Meeting was convened in Gbamjiba, Guma Local Government Area to review the security situation between November 2025 and February 2026, strengthen collaboration between security agencies and the community, and identify practical solutions to ongoing security challenges. The meeting formed part of the Guma Community Policing Committee (CPC)’s action plans, aimed at sustaining peace and maintaining law and order across the local government area.

In his opening remarks, Victor Eboh, Esq., representing Lawyers Alert, highlighted that the CPC is now in its third year of implementation and has recorded significant progress in enhancing local security. He noted that the Town Hall was part of the CPC’s strategic action plan and emphasized the importance of broadening future engagements to include additional stakeholders, such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, to strengthen inclusivity and dialogue. He clarified that Lawyers Alert attended the meeting strictly as observers and did not coordinate the session.

Community members raised concerns over a resurgence of insecurity, citing incidents of kidnapping, communal tensions, theft, and attacks on farmlands. In a positive highlight, the District Head of Gbajimba commended the local Imam, who is also a CPC member, for his proactive intervention during the Christmas period. Unknown individuals on motorcycles were reportedly moving toward the area at night, and through timely alert and coordination with the Police, the suspected intruders were apprehended, averting a potential attack.

As part of their resolutions, CPC members agreed to sensitize residents to remain vigilant, monitor unusual movements, and verify unfamiliar individuals before accommodation. Members also stressed the need to strengthen early warning and early response mechanisms and maintain direct communication channels with security agencies for timely reporting and intervention.

The CPC pledged to deepen collaboration with traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, and security agencies to address emerging threats proactively, preventing escalation into violence, loss of lives, property destruction, or displacement. The Town Hall underscored the value of community-driven security initiatives in fostering trust, resilience, and safety across Guma Local Government Area.