The Northern Senators Forum has called on the Federal Government and state governors to fast-track the proposed State Police Bill, arguing that decentralising policing would strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering and improve responses to security threats.
The appeal followed the forum’s condemnation of recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states, which it said resulted in the deaths of more than 36 people, including security personnel and worshippers.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the forum urged the Federal Government, state governors and Houses of Assembly to urgently act on the State Police Bill, which is awaiting ratification.
The lawmakers said the renewed push was necessary amid growing insecurity across parts of northern Nigeria and ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.
According to Yar’Adua, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday night, August 17, killing eight people.
The victims included a police inspector and seven civilians. The attackers also reportedly set two houses on fire.
Yar’Adua said, “In light of these tragedies, we urgently call on the Federal Government, through the Presidential Working Group chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, State Governors, and State Houses of Assembly to give prompt attention and concurrence to the State Police Bill currently awaiting ratification.
Decentralised policing is critical to improving response time and intelligence gathering at the grassroots. State and Local Governments should invest in and strengthen community vigilante groups to serve as intelligence partners to the Police and Military.
“We cannot continue to lose innocent lives to insurgents while bureaucracy delays critical security reforms. The time to act is now.”
The forum also condemned the August 15 attack on worshippers in Ungushi village, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
It said suspected members of Lakurawa, a group reportedly associated with extremist networks in Mali and Niger, attacked worshippers during Friday prayers, leaving about 30 people dead.
The incident reportedly occurred on the same day four soldiers were killed in the area.
The Northern Senators Forum expressed sympathy to the families of those killed and extended its condolences to the governments and people of Adamawa and Sokoto states.