Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated his call for the urgent establishment of State Police in Nigeria, citing the alarming rise in violent attacks, killings, and displacement across Benue and other parts of the country.
Governor Alia made the passionate appeal on Tuesday while receiving the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was in the state to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the recent massacre in Yelewata and other affected communities.
Describing the current centralized security architecture as inadequate, Governor Alia said the creation of State Police is no longer optional but a necessary step in combating insurgency, improving intelligence gathering, and ensuring swift response to security threats.
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The Governor lamented, “The current security architecture has not proven sufficient in curbing the incessant attacks on our communities.
“It is time for Nigeria to embrace State Police as a practical and necessary step towards securing lives, property, and peace across the nation.”
The Governor also renewed his call for the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law across the North Central region, urging a regional collaboration to curb the movement of armed herders across state borders.
He particularly appealed to the First Lady to use her influential voice to champion the domestication of the anti-open grazing law, noting that uniform enforcement across states would eliminate safe havens for violators and reduce the influx of armed herders.
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Governor Alia revealed that over 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge in various camps and host communities across Benue, with fresh displacement in Makurdi and Naka due to renewed attacks.
He commended the First Lady for her humanitarian support through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which he said has brought relief to women, youth, traders, and vulnerable groups in Benue State.
“The people of Benue State are sincerely grateful. Your visit is not just symbolic; it is impactful and healing,” he added.
In her remarks, Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the continued loss of lives and properties in Benue State and donated the sum of ₦1 billion to support the rebuilding and resettlement of displaced families affected by the violent herdsmen attacks.
She assured Governor Alia and the people of Benue of the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in the region.
“I stand with Benue. The Federal Government through the Renewed Hope Initiative will continue to support our people until lasting peace returns,” Mrs. Tinubu stated.