By Sabiu Abdullahi
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, saying the move is necessary to tackle the country’s worsening security challenges.
The governor spoke on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television. He argued that the creation of state police was long overdue and would strengthen efforts to address insecurity across Nigeria.
Alia said the Nigeria Police Force is overstretched because of the growing security demands. He also noted that military personnel may not always have sufficient knowledge of local terrains, which makes effective security operations more difficult.
“State policing should have begun long before now. If we have our state police with the power to command and direct, it will be more beneficial.
“So I think it is ideal. I know that the National Assembly has done some bit of that, and the State Assemblies are also playing their own role and making it a continuum of conversation.
“It’s even going to be more improved on what people are thinking, the fears people are having, or the reservations they’re having on the establishment of the state policing.
“I have been one of the first advocates of state policing way before the national conversation began.
“As it is said, who feels it knows it all. For us in Benue State, we felt it, we know what it is, we understand insecurity, we understand what it means for some help, either to be on the way or little help that came our way.
“So the establishment of state police is something ideal that could have been done like yesterday,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged ongoing legislative efforts on the issue. He said both the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly have continued discussions on the proposal. He expressed confidence that concerns and reservations surrounding state policing would be addressed as the process progresses.
