The Northern Senators Forum has called on the Federal Government, state governors and state Houses of Assembly to fast-track the proposed State Police Bill, describing decentralised policing as essential to tackling insecurity and improving intelligence gathering.
The lawmakers made the demand on Friday while reacting to recent attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states, which the forum said resulted in the deaths of more than 36 people, including security personnel and worshippers.
In a statement issued by the forum’s Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the senators urged relevant authorities to expedite the ratification of the bill.
The forum said the latest attacks underscored the need for reforms that would strengthen security operations at the grassroots.
According to the senators, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Monday, August 17, killing eight people, including a police inspector and seven civilians.
The attackers also reportedly set two houses on fire during the incident.
Yar’Adua said the government could no longer afford delays in implementing measures aimed at improving the country’s security architecture.
“Decentralised policing is critical to improving response time and intelligence gathering at the grassroots.”
He further urged state and local governments to strengthen community vigilante groups and integrate them into local intelligence efforts.
“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 about 30 people were killed when suspected members of Lakurawa, a group reportedly linked to extremist networks in Mali and Niger, attacked worshippers during Friday prayers.
The senators added that the attack occurred hours after four soldiers were killed in the area.
Yar’Adua expressed sympathy to the families of those killed and commiserated with the governments and people of Adamawa and Sokoto states.
The Northern Senators Forum reiterated its appeal to the Federal Government, governors and state lawmakers to prioritise the State Police Bill, arguing that stronger local policing could improve intelligence gathering and response to security threats.
