Gov Alia hails National Assembly over passage of State Police Bill

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has applauded the National Assembly for approving the State Police Bill, describing the development as a major milestone in efforts to strengthen security across the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said the legislation, which provides for the establishment of state police structures to operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force, represents a bold step toward addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Governor Alia noted that he has consistently supported the creation of state police, maintaining that decentralizing policing would improve the nation’s security framework and provide better protection for citizens and their property.

According to him, the House of Representatives had earlier passed the bill, while the Senate’s recent concurrence demonstrates the commitment of federal lawmakers to tackling the country’s persistent insecurity.

The governor stated that state police would be better positioned to work closely with communities, allowing for quicker responses to security threats through a deeper understanding of local cultures, terrain, and social dynamics.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as visionary leadership and dedication to reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s security architecture, an issue that has dominated national conversations for years.

Alia reassured Benue residents that his administration would continue to prioritize investments in security and support initiatives designed to promote peace, safety, and sustainable development in the state and across Nigeria.