Chief Ganiyu Adams has reiterated calls for state police, noting that unless Nigerian government decentralized policing in the country, the killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria will persist.
In a statement on Friday, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, who condemned the recent spate of violent attacks in Benue, stressed that the current police structure has overtime proven to be ineffective and unable to guarantee and safeguard lives and property.
He said, “The time for a decentralized security system that allows for federal, state, and local government policing is now.
“This is the only way to stop such mindless killings going on in Benue, and other such places where lives are taken out mindlessly by non-state actors and other marauders.”
Mr Adams further noted that the tragic incidents in Benue, which have resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives, displacement of entire communities, and widespread destruction, are deeply rooted in a range of challenges including Fulani herders’ clashes, poor law enforcement, proliferation of arms, political neglect, and economic hardship.
He said no amount of prayers would save the country from the continued embarrassment of insecurity unless decisive structural reforms are undertaken.
“The persistent nature of these killings not only violates the right to life enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution but also threatens national peace, security, and economic progress. It discourages foreign investment and further damages Nigeria’s international image.
“The country must act now, or risk deeper national instability, he said.
