Benue Backs State Police In Major Security Boost
By Aloysius Chiahemba, Makurdi
For communities in Benue grappling with insecurity, the prospect of police officers who understand local terrain and can respond faster to emergencies has gained fresh momentum, following the state House of Assembly’s adoption of a bill supporting the establishment of state police.
The lawmakers adopted the proposed constitutional amendment during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Berger Emberga, backing efforts to decentralise policing and strengthen responses to Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Executive Bill, presented by the Majority Leader, Hon. Peter Bemdoo Ipusu, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for State Police Services alongside the Federal Police Service.
Leading the debate, Ipusu argued that state police would improve intelligence gathering, speed up responses to security emergencies and enable law enforcement officers to tackle threats peculiar to their communities.
He cited rural banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime as challenges that could benefit from a policing structure closer to the people.
According to him, decentralised policing could also create jobs, improve accountability and boost public confidence in law enforcement, while allowing the Nigeria Police Force to concentrate on national security and major criminal activities.
Following the adoption, Speaker Emberga directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the Assembly’s decision to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Benue’s decision adds to the ongoing constitutional amendment process, with 13 states reportedly having adopted the proposed State Police Bill so far.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the amendment requires approval from at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly before it can proceed to the President for assent.
The proposal forms part of wider efforts to reform Nigeria’s policing system amid persistent security concerns across the country.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also gave first reading to the Free Eye Screening and Cataract Surgery Bill, sponsored by Hon. Simon Gabo, representing Mata State Constituency.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a framework for free eye screening and cataract surgery in Benue State.
Speaker Emberga subsequently directed the House Standing Committee on Rules and Business to prepare the bill for further legislative consideration.
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