Benue State Government Prepares for State Police Initiative

The Benue State Government has expressed readiness for the introduction of state police, as stated by Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security. During a stakeholders' colloquium organized by Lawyers Alert and the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security in Makurdi, Har emphasized the importance of not abandoning existing security personnel and structures without a clear integration plan.

He highlighted the development of a community-oriented security framework handbook and training manual, translated into local languages, to encourage community involvement in security management. Governor Alia, represented by Chief of Staff Barrister Emmanuel Atagher, supported the People-Centred Public Safety model for the proposed state police system.

He noted that effective policing should foster closer ties between government, security agencies, and communities. Key issues discussed included equipment, training, funding, command structure, accountability, and the roles of traditional and religious leaders in the new policing framework.