Insecurity: Northern Governors call for immediate establishment of state police

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has reaffirmed its full support and commitment to the immediate establishment of State Police.

It also announced that each state will contribute N1 billion, to be deducted at source, to tackle the insecurity bedevilling the region.

To this end, the Forum urged National and State Assembly members from the North to expedite action towards the actualisation of State Police.

These resolutions were contained in a communiqué read by the Chairman of the NSGF, Alh. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, at the end of its meeting with Northern traditional rulers, held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, on Monday.

The Forum observed that “illegal mining has become a major contributory factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” and therefore resolved to strongly recommend that the President direct the Minister of Solid Minerals to suspend mining activities for six months to allow for a comprehensive audit.

It also called for all mining licences to undergo revalidation within the same six-month window, in active consultation with state governors, to curb the menace of artisanal illegal mining.

The communiqué further stated that, to effectively confront the security challenges facing the region, the Forum resolved to establish a Regional Security Trust Fund, to be financed through monthly contributions of N1 billion from each state and local government, deducted at source under an agreed framework.

“The Forum commends the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the prompt release of some of the abducted children and in handling other security challenges.

“We equally commend the sacrifices of our servicemen in uniform who continue to battle various forms of violent insurgencies across the country.”

Consequently, the Forum resolved to renew its support for all measures taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to take the fight to insurgents’ enclaves and bring an end to the criminality.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE