The Benue State House of Assembly has backed a constitutional amendment to allow state police, with its decision to be forwarded to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Lawmakers approved the proposal at their plenary on Tuesday, October 20, presided over by Speaker Alfred Emberga. The vote concerns the constitutional framework for state police, rather than the inauguration of an operational police service in Benue.
Majority Leader Peter Ipusu led deliberations and urged the House to give the amendment accelerated consideration. He argued that officers familiar with local communities could improve grassroots intelligence gathering and responses to security emergencies.
Ipusu said decentralised policing could help address rural banditry, farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime, while creating employment and improving accountability.
Daily Post reported that the proposed framework covers state police services alongside the Federal Police Service, including their responsibilities, funding and operations.
Following passage, Emberga directed the Clerk of the House to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to the National Assembly.
Sources: Daily Post, TheCable
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