Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish state police across Nigeria, describing it as the most effective solution to end the persistent killings in the state.
The governor made this appeal on Wednesday during President Tinubu's condolence visit to Makurdi following the massacre of over 200 residents by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
"Let me also reiterate my firm support for the establishment of state police as a sustainable solution to the persistent insecurity in our state and perhaps elsewhere," Governor Alia stated during the visit.
While acknowledging concerns about implementing state policing, Alia expressed confidence that the federal government could address these issues by "setting clear state-specific guidelines and regulatory frameworks to prevent any potential" problems.
Presidential Response to the Crisis
President Tinubu's visit to Benue State comes as part of his administration's response to the recent violence that has devastated several communities. During his stay, the President also visited injured victims at the Teaching Hospital.
The visit has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters. The Tor Tiv reportedly pleaded with the President to restore peace to the troubled region, while the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue.
Some critics, including former Minister Oby Ezekwesili, have criticized aspects of the visit, particularly images showing students queuing in the rain to welcome the President.
Broader Security Implications
The Benue crisis represents one of Nigeria's most persistent security challenges, with farmer-herder conflicts resulting in thousands of deaths over the years. Governor Alia's call for state policing aligns with growing demands from various state governors and political stakeholders for decentralized security structures.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple security challenges across different regions, the debate over state policing has gained renewed urgency, with proponents arguing that local security forces would better understand and respond to regional security threats.
The federal government has yet to make a definitive statement on the implementation of state police, though constitutional amendments would be required for such a significant shift in Nigeria's security architecture.
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