Northern Senators demand state police after deadly attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto

The Northern Senators Forum has called for the immediate establishment of state police following coordinated terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states. The attacks, which occurred in the Gaya community of Hong Local Government Area and Ungushi village in Kebbe Local Government Area, reportedly claimed over 36 lives, including security personnel and worshippers.

In a statement signed by Forum Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, lawmakers urged the Federal Government, state governors, and state Houses of Assembly to fast-track the ratification of the State Police Bill. The Forum argued that decentralized policing is essential for improving intelligence gathering and response times at the grassroots level.

Additionally, the senators recommended that state and local governments strengthen community vigilante groups to act as intelligence partners for the military and police. They also called on the Presidential Working Group on Police Reforms to prioritize the pending security legislation to prevent further loss of life.