Fresh uncertainty surrounds the implementation of state policing in Nigeria as the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, failed to deliberate on the matter during its meeting on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Despite growing calls for decentralised policing in the wake of deadly attacks in several states, the NEC meeting did not address the long-anticipated issue, drawing concerns from stakeholders and citizens alike.
Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, who briefed journalists after the meeting, confirmed that although state policing was listed for discussion, it was not addressed due to time constraints caused by extended presentations on other pressing national issues.
The meeting began on a somber note, as governors and council members observed a minute of silence in honour of nearly 200 Nigerians who lost their lives in recent attacks across Benue, Plateau, and Kwara States.
Notably, Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, had previously assured Nigerians that all 36 states were in support of establishing state police, promising a definitive stance from the NEC upon its reconvening. However, Thursday’s silence on the issue has left many questioning the federal and state governments’ commitment to tackling Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
The latest wave of violence—reportedly carried out by armed herdsmen—has wreaked havoc across the North Central region and beyond. Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas were among the worst hit, with over 100 people killed and more than 2,000 displaced. In Benue State, coordinated attacks on Ukum and Logo LGAs claimed another 100 lives.
These tragic events occurred while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was on a trip to France, adding to public frustration over perceived government inaction. With over 22 states impacted by herdsmen-related violence under the current administration, many Nigerians continue to view state policing as a necessary and urgent reform.
As insecurity spreads across the country, pressure is mounting on the NEC and the Federal Government to take decisive action and revisit the issue of state police—an initiative seen by many as critical to restoring order and protecting lives.
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