By Aga Samuel Imoter, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has renewed his call for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised policing would help address Nigeria’s security challenges and improve intelligence gathering and emergency response.
Alia spoke on Thursday during a town hall meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the Government House in Makurdi, as part of the IGP’s operational assessment visit to the state.The governor expressed concern over recurring attacks in parts of Benue, warning that insecurity in farming communities could affect food production and national food security.“
Benue is the food basket of the nation. When our farmers are displaced or prevented from accessing their farmlands, the consequences extend beyond our borders and affect the country’s food supply,” he said. Alia said his administration had provided security agencies with patrol vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistical support. He added that regular security meetings, intelligence sharing and joint operations had been strengthened to tackle criminality.
The governor also pledged the state’s support for a proposed 14-day security sweep across Benue, expressing optimism that the operation would help restore peace in affected communities. He argued that the debate on state police should now focus on developing an effective legal and operational framework for its implementation.
Alia urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies and support efforts to promote peaceful coexistence. He assured the IGP of continued cooperation with security agencies and said the state government would support the safe return and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including through agricultural assistance.
