The Plateau State House of Assembly has started considering a Bill to amend the 1999 Constitution, aiming to establish State Police Services. This move follows a communication from the National Assembly, transmitted to the Plateau Assembly through Governor Caleb Mutfwang. The assembly's majority leader, Joseph Gokum, moved for the consideration of the State Police Bill, which was seconded by Matthew Kwarpo, representing Mangu South Constituency.
The speaker of the assembly, Naanlong Daniel, directed the Clerk of the House to read the Bill for the first time and stated that the assembly would accelerate its consideration. He emphasized that the proposed State Police Service would complement the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen security coordination at the state and community levels. Effective coordination between the Nigeria Police Force and any state police structure that may be established is crucial, according to Daniel.
In addition to the State Police Bill, the assembly commenced consideration of a Bill to repeal and re-enact the law establishing the Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri. Another Bill seeking to establish the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment as a network of screening and treatment centres for various cancers was also considered. This cancer institute bill was referred to the House Committee on Health for further consideration.
The assembly also began consideration of a bill to establish the Plateau State Tourism Corporation. Furthermore, lawmakers considered a motion commending President Bola Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang for establishing an Army Brigade in Langtang North and additional military battalions in the state. This development aims to enhance security in the region.
Despite these efforts, the lawmakers have demanded urgent security intervention following renewed killings and attacks in the state. A motion sponsored by Dickson Chollom, representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, and seconded by Abel Nansak, representing Langtang North-North Constituency, was passed during plenary. The assembly called for stronger security deployment to protect affected communities and urged Governor Mutfwang to engage the federal government and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The assembly specifically requested the full occupation of the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish and urgent repairs of damaged infrastructure in communities affected by the attacks. Humanitarian assistance for victims of the violence was also demanded. The lawmakers stressed that strengthening security presence in affected communities is necessary to protect residents and prevent further attacks.
The latest demand comes amid renewed attacks in parts of the state, with at least nine people reportedly killed in separate incidents between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Another attack on Tuesday resulted in the death of a security operative and three civilians. In response, the state government imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas, effective from September 21.
Key points
- The Plateau State Assembly has begun consideration of a Bill to establish State Police Services to complement the Nigeria Police Force.
- The assembly has demanded urgent security intervention, including stronger deployment and humanitarian assistance, following renewed killings and attacks in the state.
- A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on three local government areas in response to emerging security threats.
