Nigeria’s Gov Alia appeal for state police during President Tinubu’s wife visit

Nigeria

In a passionate appeal to national leaders, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has renewed his call for the immediate implementation of State Police in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s centralized security framework has failed to halt rising violence and insurgency, especially within Benue.

Speaking in Makurdi while receiving Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her condolence visit, Governor Alia expressed deep concern over the continuous attacks and loss of lives in several communities across the state.

“The current security architecture has not proven sufficient in curbing the incessant attacks on our communities,” Alia stated. “It is time for Nigeria to embrace State Police as a practical and necessary step towards securing lives, property, and peace across the nation.”

He highlighted that a decentralized, locally governed police force is essential for rapid security response, intelligence gathering, and fostering accountability within at-risk communities.

Governor Alia further called for the domestication of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law throughout the North Central region, emphasizing the need for coordinated ranching policies to prevent armed herders from exploiting weak regulatory borders.

The Governor lamented that Benue currently harbors more than 1.5 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in camps and host communities, with new displacement sites springing up in Makurdi and Naka following recent violent incursions.

He thanked the First Lady for her compassion and ongoing interventions, noting that the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has brought much-needed relief to women, youths, traders, and other vulnerable groups.

“The people of Benue State are sincerely grateful. Your visit is not just symbolic; it is impactful and healing,” Alia said, acknowledging the significance of her presence.

During her visit, Senator Tinubu condoled with Governor Alia, the Tor Tiv, and the people of Benue over the recent massacre at Yelewata. She announced a donation of N1 billion to aid the reconstruction and resettlement of displaced families devastated by attacks attributed to armed herders.

The Governor’s renewed advocacy for State Police and a regional anti-open grazing consensus comes amid mounting public pressure for decisive action to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.

Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, confirmed the state government’s commitment to working with federal authorities and community leaders to restore peace and hope for affected residents.

Observers say the events of today signal a growing momentum for security reforms and humanitarian intervention as Benue grapples with unprecedented challenges.