Northern senators demand immediate state police after Adamawa, Sokoto terror attacks kill 36+
Northern senators have demanded immediate establishment of state police following terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto States on Friday that killed over 36 people, including security personnel and worshippers. The attacks targeted Gaya community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State and Ungushi village in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Speaking through the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), senators argued Nigeria can no longer afford bureaucratic delays in security reforms while innocent lives are lost. Forum Chairman Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central) urged the Federal Government, state governors, and state Houses of Assembly to approve the State Police Bill before the Presidential Working Group led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
The senators emphasized decentralized policing is critical for faster grassroots response and intelligence gathering, noting the current centralized structure is overstretched and ineffective in rural communities. The State Police Bill requires approval by at least 24 of 36 state assemblies to take effect. They also urged investment in community vigilante groups as intelligence partners to security forces while mourning the victims and praying for the injured.
With Friday’s attacks adding to rising northern insecurity, senators warned further delay would be 'a disservice to Nigerians.' Do you believe state police would improve your community's safety, or do you have concerns about potential misuse of decentralized security forces?