The Benue State Government has commenced training for 300 members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, while reaffirming its support for the creation of state police.
The six-day training programme was officially launched on Tuesday at the firing range in Ikpayongo, Gwer-East Local Government Area. The exercise, organised in partnership with the Kukah Centre, is aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the civil protection guards and enhancing security within the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, highlighted the importance of state policing, noting that governors should have direct control over security structures in their states. “The conversation about state policing, as contentious as it is, is a matter whose time has come. Benue is in full support of state policing,” he said. The governor also praised President Bola Tinubu for working on a legal framework to establish state policing, describing it as a form of devolution of powers that allows federating units to exercise self-determination over security matters.
Addressing concerns over potential misuse of state police, the governor assured that safeguards would be put in place. Earlier, the state’s Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, noted that about 5,000 personnel have already been trained under the state’s security initiative. He explained that the civil protection guards serve as first responders in every council ward, supporting conventional security agencies by addressing issues before they escalate.
Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, Terseer Bamber, said the training focuses on professionalism and adherence to legal boundaries. He added that the programme is based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) developed in collaboration with the Benue State Government, ensuring that trained personnel operate within the law and contribute to peace and resilience in the state.
The initiative reinforces Benue State’s commitment to strengthening local security structures while supporting the broader national conversation on state policing.
