We’re ready to implement state police – Benue Gov’t

The Benue State government has declared its readiness for the implementation of state police, citing existing community-based security structures to support the proposed policing system.

Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, made this known at a stakeholders’ colloquium on state police organised by Lawyers Alert, in collaboration with the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security in Makurdi.

Har also said a public safety framework and training manuals developed in local languages would support the proposed policing system.

He disclosed the state’s preparations, saying Benue had developed a community-oriented security framework handbook and training manual translated into Tiv, Idoma and Igede languages to strengthen community participation in security management.

• Survey: Low Pay, Work Stress Pushing Women Journalists to Consider Quitting Job
• TETFund to establish innovation hubs in 45 tertiary institutions

He, however, expressed concern over the fate of existing security personnel and structures under the proposed arrangement, warning that disbanding them without a clear integration plan could create security challenges.

He therefore called for proper planning to ensure that the transition to state police would strengthen, rather than undermine, existing security efforts.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Emmanuel Atagher, also backed the adoption of the People-Centred Public Safety model in the proposed state police structure, noting that policing must bring government and security institutions closer to the people.

The governor said his administration was open to approaches that promote collaboration among government, communities and security agencies, adding that the people-centred model would form a key component of Benue’s policing framework if state police became operational.

He commended Lawyers Alert for developing and promoting the model, noting that its community-based approach could contribute to the proposed state police system being considered at the national level.

Alia said the colloquium provided an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the structure, requirements and operational framework necessary for an effective state police system.

He identified equipment, training, funding, command structure, accountability and community relations as critical issues requiring attention, alongside the roles of traditional rulers and religious leaders.

Also, the Director-General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd.), represented by Lt.-Gen. Fidelis Chile, outlined the state’s efforts to strengthen community-based public safety through the People-Centred Public Safety framework and the establishment of the Community Policing Committee.

He said the initiatives were designed to encourage stronger collaboration between communities and security institutions in addressing security challenges.

Also speaking, the representative of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, ECP Ogo Asikwa, said the Nigeria Police Force was committed to supporting the seamless establishment of state police in the state.