The Federal and State Governments remain non-committal on the creation of state police, as the National Economic Council (NEC) once again deferred deliberation on the issue during its meeting on Thursday.
The meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, failed to address the subject, despite previous assurances that a final resolution would be reached. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed to reporters that state policing was not featured on the day’s agenda.
Governors at the meeting observed a minute’s silence in honour of victims of recent violent attacks in Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states, where close to 200 lives were lost. However, deliberation on state policing was shelved due to time constraints, with extensive discussions on other national matters taking precedence.
The delay marks yet another setback after Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani had earlier stated that all 36 states were in support of establishing state police. He had assured the public that NEC would make a formal pronouncement on the issue upon resumption.
Meanwhile, insecurity continues to ravage parts of the country. During President Bola Tinubu’s recent trip to France, coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen erupted across several states, including Plateau, Benue, and Kwara.
In Plateau, over 100 residents were reportedly killed and more than 2,000 displaced in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas alone. In Benue State, communities in Ukum and Logo LGAs were also devastated by brutal assaults, leaving more than 100 people dead.
These recurring attacks, which have now impacted no fewer than 22 states, are most pronounced in the North Central region but have increasingly spilled into other parts of the country.
Despite mounting pressure and worsening violence, the government’s continued delay in taking a decisive position on state policing raises fresh concerns about its readiness to address Nigeria’s growing security crisis.
