Northern Senators Forum urges swift action on State Police Bill amid rising insecurity
The Northern Senators Forum has called on the Federal Government and state governors to accelerate the State Police Bill, emphasizing that decentralized policing is crucial for addressing insecurity and enhancing intelligence gathering at the local level. This appeal follows recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto states, which the forum reported claimed over 36 lives, including security personnel and worshippers. Senator Abdulaziz Yar鈥橝dua, Chairman of the forum, stated that suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community in Adamawa State on August 17, killing eight people and burning two houses. Additionally, suspected members of Lakurawa, a group linked to extremist networks, attacked worshippers in Ungushi village, Sokoto State, on August 15, killing approximately 30 people after four soldiers were reportedly killed in the area earlier that day. The forum urged the Federal Government, through the Presidential Working Group, state governors, and State Houses of Assembly, to promptly ratify the State Police Bill, highlighting that state and local governments should also invest in and strengthen community vigilante groups to support police and military intelligence efforts.
