The leadership of the Anglican Church in Cross River State has called on the federal government to swiftly implement the establishment of State Police to enhance community policing.
The church made the call as they began the first session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Calabar Anglican Communion in Igoli Ogoja in the northern part of the state.
Bishop of Calabar Diocese, Prof Nneoye Onen Egbe in his annual address at the Synod said there is a need to define the rules of engagement for the states, otherwise, there will be anarchy.
“This is because Nigeria is a place where the law exists for the poor and those outside the corridors of power, while the powers that be live and operate outside the laws. Fears have been expressed about the possible hijack of the force by state governors and their cohorts.
“This is expected because we do not have God-fearing leaders yet, but self-seeking, power-hungry leaders whose only goal is to swallow up everything that can help them perpetuate themselves in power.”
The Anglican Bishop state police can effectively curb communal clashes which are frequent occurrences in almost all the local government areas.
He reviewed the number of inter-communal clashes within the year under his jurisdiction, saying state police should have swiftly averted such.
He listed such communal conflicts in Yala East Archdeaconry involving the Ugaga kingdom and their neighbours, Ijegu-Yache and the Tiv people of Benue State, and Obubra Missionary Archdeaconry, between the people of Ofatura and Ovonum.
He disclosed that between April and May 2024, renewed conflicts began to reoccur between Nko – Inyima-Oyadama communities.
While hailing the state government for relative improvement in the security of lives and property in the state, the clergyman strongly recommended an appeal to the state government to confiscate pieces of land under disputes.
He said such lands can be used for viable, state-owned projects that will keep warring parties away, and out of reach of each other.
He expressed dismay that relations could resort to violence, sometimes for issues that can be easily resolved, and even kill for temporal things.
“We strongly condemn these acts and equally appeal to all warring communities to desist from such bloodshed and violence, as it brings no good to anyone.”
Anglican Church urges swift establishment of State Police
