BENUE TRADITIONAL RULERS DEMAND INCLUSION IN STATE POLICE RECRUITMENT, OPERATIONS
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Traditional rulers in Benue State, led by the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, and the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba-Idu Elaigwu Obagaji, have called for the inclusion of traditional institutions in the recruitment, operations and supervision of the proposed State Police.
The royal fathers made the call at a colloquium on State Police organised by Lawyers Alert in partnership with the Bureau of Homeland Security. The event was held at the Father Alia Conference Hall of the State Emergency Management Agency in Makurdi.
Speaking at the event, Ayatse stressed the importance of community-driven policing, noting that the persistent security challenges in Benue had also affected traditional institutions.
He maintained that involving traditional rulers in the establishment and management of the proposed security outfit would improve its effectiveness, particularly in personnel recruitment and screening.
According to the Tor Tiv, traditional institutions have a better understanding of the communities they serve and can provide valuable information about the character, conduct and backgrounds of prospective recruits.
“Traditional institutions are closer to the people and have a better understanding of the communities they serve,” he said.
Ayatse explained that leveraging such local knowledge would help ensure that only individuals with good reputations and proven integrity were recruited into the proposed force.
He also called for a clearly defined operational framework to guide interactions between the State Police, traditional institutions and other security agencies.
The monarch said such an arrangement should establish procedures for intelligence sharing, joint operations and inter-agency collaboration, adding that traditional rulers could help identify emerging threats and provide timely security information from their communities.
On funding, Ayatse urged the government to make adequate financial provisions for the proposed outfit, warning that insufficient funding could undermine its operations and limit its ability to tackle security challenges.
He further emphasised the need for professionalism and political neutrality, insisting that the force must prioritise the protection of lives and property rather than serving personal or partisan interests.
The Tor Tiv urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take practical steps towards establishing the State Police. He also assured Governor Hyacinth Alia of the traditional institutions’ support for the initiative.
Similarly, the Ochi’Idoma advocated a well-trained, adequately equipped and accountable State Police that would address the security challenges confronting Benue communities.
He stressed that establishing the outfit should go beyond decentralising policing, noting that personnel must receive professional training, have access to modern equipment and technology, and operate strictly within the law.
The traditional ruler also called for the integration of traditional institutions into the state’s security framework, citing their strategic position in identifying potential threats at the grassroots level.
He noted that traditional rulers could contribute to early-warning systems, intelligence gathering, mediation, community engagement and conflict prevention without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of the police.
The Ochi’Idoma further advocated a transparent, merit-based recruitment process, warning against the influence of political considerations and personal relationships in selecting personnel for the proposed force.
He maintained that traditional rulers should be consulted during recruitment because of their knowledge of individuals’ character and backgrounds within their respective communities.
On security collaboration, the monarch stressed the need for the proposed State Police to work effectively with existing security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.
He explained that clearly established procedures for information sharing, operational coordination, supervision and accountability would help prevent overlapping responsibilities and potential abuse of authority.
According to him, the success of the proposed State Police should be measured by its ability to prevent attacks, protect lives and property, respond effectively to security threats and restore public confidence.
The Ochi’Idoma commended the Benue State Government and the Bureau of Homeland Security for bringing stakeholders together to discuss the proposed policing structure.
He assured the organisers that traditional institutions were ready to support the development of a security system that prioritises community needs while upholding professionalism and accountability.
The monarch urged all stakeholders to ensure that the establishment of State Police was guided by merit, integrity, transparency, professionalism and respect for human dignity.
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