Plateau Assembly Discusses State Police Bill, Calls for Urgent Security Actions

The Plateau State House of Assembly has started looking at a Bill to change the 1999 Constitution. This Bill aims to set up State Police Services.

This action came after the National Assembly sent a message about the proposed constitutional change. Governor Caleb Mutfwang delivered this communication to the Plateau Assembly.

Joseph Gokum, the assembly’s majority leader, introduced the State Police Bill. Matthew Kwarpo, who represents Mangu South Constituency, supported the motion.

The speaker, Naanlong Daniel, instructed the Clerk of the House to read the Bill for the first time. He mentioned that the assembly would move quickly in considering it.

Mr Daniel explained that the proposed State Police Service would work alongside the Nigeria Police Force. This would help improve security coordination at the state and community levels.

He emphasized the importance of effective teamwork between the Nigeria Police Force and any state police setup that might be created.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers have asked for immediate action on security issues due to fresh killings and attacks in the state.

They called for a stronger security presence to protect communities hit by recent violence. They also urged Governor Mutfwang to talk to the federal government and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, about the worsening security situation.

This resolution came after a motion by Dickson Chollom, who represents Barkin Ladi Constituency. Abel Nansak, representing Langtang North-North Constituency, seconded the motion during the plenary on Wednesday.

The assembly specifically asked for the full use of the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish. They also called for urgent repairs of damaged infrastructure in communities that faced attacks.

They demanded humanitarian aid for the victims of the violence too. The lawmakers pointed out that a stronger security presence in affected areas is crucial to protect residents and stop further attacks.

This latest demand follows renewed violence in various parts of the state. Reports say at least nine people were killed in different attacks across communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and nearby areas between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Another attack on Tuesday resulted in the death of a security officer from Operation Rainbow and three civilians in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi.

In response to the rising security threats, the state government has put a dusk-to-dawn curfew in place for Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas. This curfew started on September 21.