By Monsurat Abisoye
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has welcomed the National Assembly’s approval of the State Police Bill, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening security across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said the legislation, which provides for state police structures to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force, is a bold move aimed at addressing the country’s persistent security challenges.
Alia noted that he has consistently advocated the establishment of state police, maintaining that decentralising policing would improve the nation’s security framework and provide better protection for lives and property.
According to him, the House of Representatives had earlier passed the bill, while the Senate’s concurrence reflects the commitment of federal lawmakers to tackling insecurity across the country.
The governor said state police would be better positioned to work closely with local communities and respond more quickly to security threats due to their understanding of local cultures, terrain and social dynamics.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to reforms designed to improve Nigeria’s security architecture, an issue that has remained at the forefront of national discourse.
Alia assured residents of Benue State that his administration would continue to prioritise investments in security and support initiatives aimed at promoting peace, safety and sustainable development in the state and across the country.