Traditional rulers in Benue State, Nigeria, have demanded inclusion in the proposed establishment and operation of State Police. The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Professor James Ayatse, and the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo, made the call at a colloquium on State Police organised by Lawyers Alert in collaboration with the Bureau of Homeland held in Makurdi on October 8, 2026.
The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, stated that Benue State had experienced prolonged insecurity, which had also affected traditional institutions. He stressed that their involvement was critical to the success of the proposed State Police. Ayatse urged the government to properly consult traditional rulers in developing the structure of the State Police, particularly during the recruitment and profiling of personnel.
Professor Ayatse noted that traditional institutions were closer to the people and had a better understanding of the communities they served. This made them important in identifying the character and background of prospective police officers. He called for a clear framework to guide the relationship between the proposed State Police, traditional institutions, and other security agencies.
The Ochi’Idoma, Agabaidu John Elaigwu Odogbo, called for a professional, accountable, and community-centred State Police capable of responding effectively to security challenges across Benue. He stressed that State Police should not simply mean bringing policing closer to the people but must involve officers who are professionally trained, properly equipped, technologically enabled, and committed to the rule of law.
The Ochi’Idoma recommended the formal integration of traditional institutions into the state’s security architecture, noting that traditional rulers are strategically positioned at the grassroots and often receive early information about emerging security threats. He advocated for merit-based and transparent recruitment, warning against political influence and the use of personal connections in selecting officers.
The monarchs also called for strong coordination between the proposed State Police and existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. They urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of State Police is guided by merit, integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
The success of State Police, according to the Ochi’Idoma, should ultimately be measured by its ability to prevent attacks, protect lives and property, respond effectively to security threats, and restore citizens’ confidence. The traditional rulers assured that they were ready to support a people-centred, professional, and accountable security system.
Key points
- Traditional rulers in Benue State demand inclusion in the proposed state police structure.
- They call for a professional, accountable, and community-centred State Police.
- The implementation of State Police should be guided by merit, integrity, professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
