Traditional rulers demand formal role in Benue State Police

By Johnson Arua

Traditional rulers in Benue State have called for the formal inclusion of traditional institutions in the proposed establishment and operation of the State Police.

The Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, made the demand at a colloquium on State Police organised by Lawyers Alert in collaboration with the Bureau of Homeland Security in Makurdi.

The colloquium was held at the Father Alia Conference Hall, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Makurdi.

The Tor Tiv said the prolonged insecurity experienced in Benue had also affected traditional institutions, stressing that their involvement would be critical to the success of any State Police structure.

He urged the government to properly consult traditional rulers in designing the structure of the proposed police, particularly in the recruitment and profiling of personnel.

According to him, traditional institutions are closer to the people and have a better understanding of the communities they serve, placing them in a strategic position to provide useful information on the character and backgrounds of prospective police personnel.

Prof. Ayatse also called for a clearly defined framework to regulate the relationship between the proposed State Police, traditional institutions and other security agencies, particularly in intelligence sharing, cooperation and coordinated operations.

He stressed the need for adequate funding and proper budgeting, warning that inadequate financing could undermine the effectiveness of the proposed security outfit.

The monarch further canvassed professionalism and political neutrality, insisting that the State Police must be established primarily to protect citizens and communities and not to serve individual or political interests.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps towards the implementation of State Police, assuring Governor Hyacinth Alia of the support of traditional institutions in the process.

On his part, the Ochi’Idoma called for a professional, accountable and community-centred State Police capable of responding effectively to the security challenges confronting Benue.

He said the establishment of State Police should go beyond merely bringing policing closer to the people, stressing that personnel must be professionally trained, adequately equipped, technologically enabled and committed to the rule of law.

The Ochi’Idoma advocated the formal integration of traditional institutions into the state’s security architecture, noting that traditional rulers were strategically positioned at the grassroots and often received early information about emerging security threats.

He said traditional institutions could contribute to early-warning systems, intelligence gathering, mediation, community engagement and conflict prevention without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of the police.

The monarch also advocated merit-based and transparent recruitment, warning against political influence and the use of personal connections in the selection of personnel.

He said traditional rulers should be consulted during the recruitment process because of their knowledge of the character and background of people within their communities.

The Ochi’Idoma further 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.

He said clear information-sharing mechanisms, operational protocols, effective oversight and accountability would be required to prevent duplication of duties and abuse of power.

According to him, the success of State Police should ultimately be measured by its ability to prevent attacks, protect lives and property, respond effectively to security threats and restore citizens’ confidence.

The monarch commended the Benue State Government and the Bureau of Homeland Security for initiating the stakeholders’ engagement, assuring that traditional institutions were ready to support a people-centred, professional and accountable security system.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that the implementation of State Police was guided by merit, integrity, professionalism, accountability and respect for human dignity.