State Police: Benue Raises Alarm Over Possible Security Gaps, Demands Clear Transition Plan

The Benue State Government has declared its readiness for the introduction of state police but warned that existing security personnel and structures must not be abandoned without a clear plan for their integration into the proposed system.

The state government said its community-based security framework, alongside locally translated training materials and a people-centred public safety model, could provide a strong foundation for the establishment of state police.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the position was made public by Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Internal Security, during a stakeholders’ colloquium on state police organised by Lawyers Alert in collaboration with the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security in Makurdi.

Har disclosed that the state had developed a community-oriented security handbook and training manual translated into Tiv, Idoma and Igede to encourage greater participation by residents in maintaining security within their communities.

He explained that making the materials available in the major local languages was intended to improve public understanding of security responsibilities and strengthen cooperation between residents and security agencies.

However, Har expressed concern over the future of personnel and structures operating under the existing security arrangements once state police becomes operational.

He warned that dismantling the current system without adequate arrangements to absorb or integrate its personnel and resources could create new security gaps and undermine ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.

The governor’s aide stressed the need for careful planning to ensure that the transition to state police strengthens the state’s security architecture rather than weakens existing operations.

He maintained that the proposed system should build on structures and experience already available in the state, with clear arrangements for personnel, responsibilities and coordination among security institutions.

Earlier, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his Chief of Staff, Barrister Emmanuel Atagher, expressed support for adopting a People-Centred Public Safety model as part of the proposed state policing framework.

Alia said policing should bring government and security agencies closer to the people, while encouraging stronger collaboration among communities, public authorities and security institutions.

He added that his administration remained open to approaches capable of improving public safety through community participation and effective coordination.

The state government’s position highlights the importance of establishing a clear transition framework that protects existing security gains while preparing Benue for the possible introduction of state police.