By Rhoda Godwin
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, has pledged to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture (SPA) in the fight against cultism, proliferation of firearms, and the sale of illegal drugs in the state.
The Police Commissioner made the commitment while hosting members of the Peace Architecture at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, where discussions focused on strengthening the Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) mechanism to curb crime and promote peace and security.
Edebor stressed the importance of peace-building initiatives, particularly early warning and response systems, noting that the police command remains open to robust partnerships that would enhance security and stability across Bayelsa State.
He commended Search for Common Ground, the European Union, and their partners for their support and contributions to the State Peace Architecture, describing the platform as an evidence-based mechanism for preventing and addressing conflicts.
According to the Commissioner, members of the Peace Architecture have intervened in over 221 conflict cases since 2023, following the inauguration of the group under the initiative “Community-Centred Approach in Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta,” with Bayelsa serving as the pilot state.
Edebor further noted that available records on the country’s security index currently rank Bayelsa as the most peaceful state in Nigeria as of February 2026, adding that efforts are ongoing to sustain the achievement while addressing isolated cases of crime through arrests and ongoing investigations.
He also expressed support for the proposed Bayelsa State Community Peace Commission, describing it as a strategic step towards discouraging youth involvement in crime and violence while strengthening peace-building structures in the state.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Bayelsa State Peace Architecture, Dr. Inebaraton Preye, who led the delegation alongside the Niger Delta Consortium Manager, Mr. Chorbe Joshua, thanked the police command for its continued partnership and support.
Preye said the planned Community Peace Commission, once inaugurated after completing the legislative process, would further strengthen the Bayelsa peace initiative and institutionalise peace-building efforts by the government in line with global best practices.
Members of the delegation included Bishop Dotimi Egbegi, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Conflict Resolution; SP Francis Opuomoni, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters; Dr. Dise Ogbise-Harry, Founder of DO Foundation; Madam Eunice Nnachi, President of WOMAN; Sir Johnny Jonathan, Chairman of Ogbia LPA; Mrs. Grace Orumieyefa, Chairman of NAWOJ; Mr. Erepa Poweigha Godwin, NDLEA Assistant Commander of Narcotics; Mr. Apere, Desk Officer, Ministry of Community Development; and Mr. Ayitu Opuwill, Governance Coordinator, Search for Common Ground, among other members.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to strengthening collaboration in promoting sustainable peace and security across Bayelsa State.
