The Plateau State House of Assembly has urged the state government to seek immediate security intervention in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area following recent attacks on communities in the area. The lawmakers also demanded that the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish be fully occupied to enhance security presence. This resolution was reached during a plenary session on Wednesday, after a Notice of Motion was sponsored by Hon. Dickson Chollom and seconded by Hon. Abel Nansak.
The Assembly has called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to engage President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Ridwan Disu, to facilitate the intervention. The lawmakers also requested urgent infrastructure repairs and humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the attacks. According to the statement by the Press Secretary to the Speaker, Philip Eplong, the Assembly adopted the prayers of the motion, which aimed to strengthen security presence and protect communities in Barkin Ladi.
Meanwhile, the House has commenced consideration of a Bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services and related matters. This development followed a communication from the National Assembly on the proposed constitutional amendment, which was forwarded to the House through Governor Mutfwang. The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Joseph Gokum, moved the motion for consideration of the State Police Bill.
The proposed State Police Service aims to complement the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen security coordination at the state and community levels. Speaker of the House, Naanlong Daniel, stressed the need for effective coordination between the Nigeria Police Force and any State Police Services that may be established to improve security, protect lives and property, and enhance responses to security challenges.
The Assembly also considered several other bills during the sitting, including one seeking to repeal and re-enact the College of Education, Gindiri Law, 1988 and establish the Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri. Another Bill seeks to establish the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment as a network of centres for the screening and treatment of breast, cervical, prostate and other cancers.
The Bill on the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment attracted contributions from several lawmakers, who supported the proposal, citing the need to address the cancer burden and improve access to healthcare. Speaker Daniel described the proposal as timely, noting the need to expand access to cancer screening and treatment facilities.
The House also received a Notice of Motion commending President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang on the establishment of an Army Brigade in Langtang North Local Government Area and other new battalions in Plateau state. The Assembly further considered a Bill seeking to establish the Plateau State Tourism Corporation and related matters, which was read for the first time.
Key points
- The Plateau State House of Assembly demands urgent security intervention in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
- The Assembly considers a Bill seeking to establish State Police Services to complement the Nigeria Police Force.
- The House also considers bills to establish the Plateau State College of Education and the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
