Governor Alia renews call for State Police, pledges more support for security agencies

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace across the state, while renewing his call for the establishment of state police as a sustainable solution to the country’s growing security challenges.

Governor Alia made the call on Thursday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi, during a town hall meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who was in Benue State on an operational assessment visit.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth representatives and senior security officials, to deliberate on the security situation in the state and explore practical measures to address the persistent attacks and other threats to lives and property.

Governor Alia described the IGP’s visit as timely and reassuring, saying it demonstrated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening internal security through community policing and closer collaboration with the Benue State Government and local communities.

He expressed concern over the continued attacks and loss of lives in some parts of the state, stressing that the security crisis had not only affected the safety and livelihoods of residents but also posed a serious threat to the nation’s food security.

According to the Governor, Benue’s agrarian communities play a significant role in feeding the nation, and any prolonged disruption of farming activities caused by insecurity could have far-reaching consequences for the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He said his administration had consistently supported security agencies operating in the state by providing operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistical support required to enhance their effectiveness.

Governor Alia added that the state government had also continued to promote intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations through regular meetings of the State Security Council.

He pledged the state’s full cooperation and support for the proposed 14-day special security operation planned for identified flashpoints across the state, expressing confidence that the exercise would help restore confidence among residents and create a safer environment for communities to resume their normal activities.

The Governor, while reiterating his position on the establishment of state police, said the debate should no longer centre on whether Nigeria needs state police but rather on how the system can be effectively established and operated.

He argued that security personnel with a better understanding of the local terrain, communities and peculiar security challenges would be better positioned to respond quickly and effectively to threats.

Governor Alia, therefore, called for renewed national attention to the issue, stressing that a properly structured state police system could complement the existing federal security architecture and strengthen security at the grassroots.

He also appealed to the people of Benue State to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist them in preventing attacks and apprehending criminals.

The Governor described security as a collective responsibility, noting that government and security agencies could not succeed without the active cooperation of citizens and communities.

He assured the Inspector-General of Police of the state’s continued cooperation in all lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and ensuring the safe return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

According to him, a significant number of displaced persons had already returned to their communities to participate in this year’s farming season, while the state government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would continue to provide support to enable them to rebuild their livelihoods.

Governor Alia also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s support in the ongoing fight against insecurity and praised the Benue State Commissioner of Police for his grassroots community engagement initiatives.

Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said his visit to Benue was prompted by the recent wave of violent incidents recorded in parts of the state.

The IGP said the Nigeria Police Force was determined to bring the attacks to an end and restore peace to affected communities.

He explained that the town hall meeting was organised to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage directly with the police and other relevant authorities on practical and sustainable measures to improve security across the state.

Disu assured the people of Benue that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would no longer tolerate the continued violence and would intensify efforts to protect lives and property.

He also pledged to sustain operational visits to the state until lasting peace was restored, emphasising the need for stronger cooperation among security agencies, government authorities, traditional institutions and local communities.

In his presentation, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Mobile Police Force, Mr. Francis Iduh, disclosed that the police had mapped out troubled communities and identified security flashpoints for a 14-day special operation.

He said the operation was designed to restore peace and strengthen security in the affected areas, while appealing to the Benue State Government and other stakeholders to provide the necessary support for the successful implementation of the exercise.

The AIG’s disclosure came amid growing concerns over attacks in parts of the state and renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect rural communities and farmers.

The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, in his remarks, identified herders’ attacks, criminal activities by indigenous elements, thuggery, border disputes and cultism as some of the major factors driving insecurity in Benue State.

The traditional ruler assured the police and other security agencies of the continued support of the traditional institution, expressing optimism that the IGP’s visit would mark a renewed commitment by the security agencies to tackling the security challenges confronting the state in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.

Also speaking, the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, urged the police to remain sincere, professional and resolute in their efforts to address the security challenges confronting Benue State and the nation.

He emphasised the importance of decisive and sustained action, urging the police and other security agencies to build public confidence by ensuring that their efforts produced tangible improvements in the security situation.

The Vice Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State Chapter, Pastor Jonathan Ugbede, called for sustained dialogue between the police and local communities.

He said regular engagement with communities would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve trust and enable security agencies to obtain useful information needed to prevent attacks and respond effectively to emerging threats.

Similarly, the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Benue State, Alhaji Garba Baba, pledged the support of the Muslim community for genuine peace initiatives aimed at restoring security and stability in the state.

He urged all stakeholders to work together and promote peaceful coexistence, stressing that lasting peace could only be achieved through collective efforts and mutual understanding.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilisation and Illegal Levies, Mr. Terver Gbenda, also assured the security agencies of the readiness of Benue youths to partner with them in promoting peace and security.

He said young people in the state had an important role to play in supporting efforts to combat crime, prevent violence and create a safer environment for residents.

The town hall meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the state government, police authorities, traditional institutions, religious bodies and youth representatives to strengthen collaboration and intelligence sharing in the fight against insecurity.

With the commencement of the planned 14-day special operation and the renewed call for closer community engagement, stakeholders expressed hope that the latest efforts would lead to a significant reduction in violence, facilitate the safe return of displaced persons and enable farmers across Benue State to return fully to their farms without fear.