Plateau Assembly begins consideration of State Police Bill, demands urgent actions on insecurity

The Plateau State House of Assembly has commenced consideration of a Bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for the establishment of State Police Services.

The move followed a communication from the National Assembly on the proposed constitutional amendment, which was transmitted to the Plateau Assembly through Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

The assembly’s majority leader, Joseph Gokum, moved for consideration of the State Police Bill, while Matthew Kwarpo, representing Mangu South Constituency, seconded the motion.

The speaker, Naanlong Daniel, directed the Clerk of the House to read the Bill for the first time and said the assembly would accelerate its consideration.

Mr Daniel said the proposed State Police Service would complement the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen security coordination at the state and community levels.

He stressed the need for effective coordination between the Nigeria Police Force and any state police structure that may eventually be established.

The assembly also commenced consideration of a Bill seeking to repeal and re-enact the law establishing the Plateau State College of Education, Gindiri.

It further considered a Bill seeking to establish the Plateau State Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment as a network of screening and treatment centres for breast, cervical, prostate and other cancers.

The cancer institute bill was referred to the House Committee on Health for further consideration.

The assembly also began consideration of a bill seeking to establish the Plateau State Tourism Corporation.

The lawmakers further considered a motion commending President Bola Tinubu and Mr Mutfwang over the establishment of an Army Brigade in Langtang North and additional military battalions in the state.

Renewed killings

Meanwhile, the lawmakers have demanded urgent security intervention following renewed killings and attacks in the state.

The lawmakers called for stronger security deployment to protect communities affected by the recent violence and urged Governor Mutfwang to engage the federal government and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on the worsening security situation.

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The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Barkin Ladi Constituency, Dickson Chollom, and seconded by Abel Nansak, representing Langtang North-North Constituency, during plenary on Wednesday.

The assembly specifically called for the full occupation of the Mobile Police Barracks in Gashish and urgent repairs of damaged infrastructure in communities affected by the attacks.

It also demanded humanitarian assistance for victims of the violence.

The lawmakers said strengthening security presence in affected communities was necessary to protect residents and prevent further attacks.

The latest demand comes amid renewed attacks in parts of the state.

At least nine people were reportedly killed in separate attacks across communities in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and surrounding areas between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Another attack on Tuesday reportedly killed a security operative attached to Operation Rainbow and three civilians in separate incidents in Barkin Ladi.

The state government subsequently imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas, effective from September 21, following the emerging security threats.