Northern Senators Renew Push for State Police After Deadly Attacks

The Northern Senators Forum has urged the Federal Government and state governors to fast-track the State Police Bill, stressing that decentralised policing is vital to tackling insecurity and improving grassroots intelligence.

In a statement on Friday, forum chairman Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua condemned recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states that claimed more than 36 lives, including security personnel and worshippers.

The lawmakers cited the August 17 Boko Haram attack on Gaya community in Adamawa, which left eight people dead, and the August 15 assault on worshippers in Ungushi village, Sokoto, where about 30 were killed by suspected extremists linked to networks in Mali and Niger.

“In light of these tragedies, we urgently call on the Federal Government, state governors, and Houses of Assembly to give prompt attention and concurrence to the State Police Bill currently awaiting ratification.

“Decentralised policing is critical to improving response time and intelligence gathering at the grassroots,” Yar’Adua said.

The senators also called for stronger investment in community vigilante groups to serve as intelligence partners to security agencies, warning that delays in reform could cost more innocent lives.

They extended condolences to the families of victims and reiterated that urgent action is needed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

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