From Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

The police in Edo State has urged the state government and House of Assembly to enact a law prohibiting Community Development Associations, CDAs in the state, which it said was constituting a breach of law and order in the state.

Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, of Zone 5, Benin, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, yesterday accused the CDAs of usurping the powers of the state and local governments as regards the ownership of land in the state.

Argungu, who was speaking at a workshop to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in criminal investigation/prosecution in Zone 5 on Monday in Benin, said members of the CDAs sell the same piece of land to up to two or three persons and cause divisions that sometimes lead to fighting and even killing.

“We have discovered that most of the problems we are encountering in Edo State are land issues. CDAs have taken over the role of state and local governments by assuming ownership of lands. The Edo state government and the state House of Assembly should pass a law to check the excesses of these people because they have taken over the powers of state and local governments,” he said.

The AIG also spoke on the need for officers to conduct thorough investigation of cases, noting that many cases have been struck out due to improper investigation or the prosecution of the wrong person.

Earlier, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, commended the
state government for the support to the police in the state in the fight against crime through the purchase of communication gadgets and vehicles.

Adebanjo said that the command has been able to organise physical training and workshops to enhance the capacity of investigating officers in all the divisions.

He urged all agencies involved in criminal justice administration to continuously work together for effective policing of the state.