Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has praised the House of Representatives for passing a bill to pave the way for the creation of state police.
- +Alia lauds N’ Assembly, says state police will boost security
The governor described the passage of the bill as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
The governor described the passage of the bill as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.
Alia stated this in a June 12 broadcast to the people of the state on the 2026 Democracy Day.
The governor, who has been an advocate of state police, said the bill recognises the need for a more localised and responsive policing system capable of addressing the peculiar security challenges facing different states and communities across the country.
In a statement issued and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Friday by his media aide, Kula Tersoo, Alia said, “The lawmakers deserve appreciation for demonstrating courage, foresight, and commitment to the protection of lives and property.
“I urge Nigerians to view this development in good faith and as a necessary reform aimed at enhancing public safety and deepening grassroots security.
“With appropriate safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and constitutional checks, state police can complement existing security agencies, improve intelligence gathering, and promote quicker responses to threats.
“This is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria.”
The governor pointed out that his administration has made sincere efforts to secure the state by strengthening security through collaboration with security agencies, provision of over 150 operational vehicles and 600 motorcycles, establishment of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Anyam Nyor Joint Task Force.
He explained further that the efforts have improved security and facilitated the gradual return of peace to several parts of the state.
