Terrorist Attacks: Northern Senators Demand Urgent Action on State Police Bill

Senators representing the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) have called for urgent action on the proposed State Police Bill following recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto States.

The senators urged the Federal Government, state governors and Houses of Assembly to expedite consideration and ratification of the bill, which they said could strengthen security response at the grassroots.

The call was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (APC, Katsina Central).

The senators also urged state and local governments to strengthen community vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the police and military, particularly through intelligence gathering and early warning.

The forum condemned the recent attacks in Gaya community, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and Ungushi village, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State, which it said resulted in the deaths of more than 36 people, including security personnel and worshippers.

According to the statement, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Gaya community on Monday, August 17, killing eight people, including a police inspector and seven civilians. Two houses were also reportedly set ablaze during the attack.

In Sokoto, the senators said suspected Lakurawa militants attacked worshippers during Friday prayers in Ungushi village on August 15, killing about 30 people. The forum added that four soldiers were killed in the area earlier that day.

The NSF argued that decentralised policing would improve security response by allowing law enforcement authorities to better understand local security threats and respond more quickly to emergencies.

The senators therefore called for greater cooperation among federal, state and local authorities in tackling terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity across the country.

They also commiserated with the families of those killed, as well as the governments and people of Adamawa and Sokoto States.