Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has commended the House of Representatives for passing the bill to establish state police in Nigeria.

Mr Alia, who gave the commendation on Friday in his Democracy Day broadcast, described the development as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

The governor said the proposed legislation recognised the need for a more localised and responsive policing system capable of addressing the peculiar security challenges confronting states and communities across the country.

He lauded the lawmakers for what he described as their courage, foresight, and commitment to protecting lives and property.

“I urge Nigerians to view this development in good faith and as a necessary reform aimed at enhancing public safety and deepening grassroots security.

“With appropriate safeguards, accountability mechanisms and constitutional checks, state police can complement existing security agencies, improve intelligence gathering and promote quicker responses to threats.

“This is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Alia said security remained one of the major challenges confronting the nation and stressed the need for innovative approaches to tackling insecurity.

The governor said his administration continues to make deliberate efforts to improve security in Benue through strategic collaboration with security agencies and investments in security logistics.

According to him, the state government has provided more than 150 operational vehicles and 600 motorcycles to security agencies to enhance their operations.

He added that the establishment of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards and the Anyam Nyor Joint Task Force had further strengthened security efforts across the state.

The governor said the measures had contributed significantly to improving security and facilitating the gradual return of peace in several parts of Benue affected by criminal activities and violent attacks.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives and reforms aimed at guaranteeing the safety of lives and property in the state and across the country.

(NAN)