The Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has once again called for the immediate establishment of State Police in Nigeria, pointing out that the present centralized security structure has failed to properly address the lingering attacks and killings in parts of the country, particularly in Benue.
He also reiterated the call for a regional approach to ranching, calling on the First Lady to champion the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across the North Central region.
He made these remarks while receiving the First Lady, who was in the state to condole with the people of Benue over the continued loss of lives and displacement caused by violent attacks.
He emphasized that a decentralized and locally controlled police force is critical to improving security response, intelligence gathering, and accountability in vulnerable communities.
He said, “The current security architecture has not proven sufficient in curbing the incessant attacks on our communities,”
“It is time for Nigeria to embrace State Police as a practical and necessary step towards securing lives, property, and peace across the nation.”
The Governor argued that uniform enforcement across states would eliminate safe havens for violators moving across borders, nothing that over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are currently spread across camps and host communities in the state, with new camps emerging in Makurdi and Naka due to recent attacks.
He commended Sen. Tinubu for her compassion and multiple interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which have benefitted women, youths, traders, and vulnerable groups in Benue State.
“The people of Benue State are sincerely grateful. Your visit is not just symbolic; it is impactful and healing,” the Governor added.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Tinubu who condoled Governor Alia, Tor Tiv and the people of the state over the recent massacre at Yelewata, donated the sum of N1b to help rebuild and resettle displaced families who loss lives and property in tragedies perpetrated by marauding armed herders.
