Benue State announces readiness for state police implementation

The Benue State government has announced its readiness to implement a state police system, emphasizing a community-oriented approach. During a stakeholders’ colloquium in Makurdi organized by Lawyers Alert and the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, officials detailed preparations to support the proposed policing structure.

Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, revealed that the state has developed a community-oriented security framework handbook and training manuals translated into the local Tiv, Idoma, and Igede languages. This initiative aims to increase community participation in security management.

While supporting the transition, Har cautioned against disbanding existing security personnel and structures without a comprehensive integration plan, warning that such a move could create new security challenges. Governor Alia, represented by Chief of Staff Barrister Emmanuel Atagher, expressed support for a ‘People-Centred Public Safety’ model designed to bring security institutions closer to the citizenry through collaboration between the government and local communities.