Terrorist attacks: Northern senators demand urgent action on State Police Bill

Northern senators have called for immediate action on the State Police Bill following recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa and Sokoto States. The Northern Senators Forum, comprising senators from 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, has urged the federal government, state governors, and state Houses of Assembly to prioritize the bill, which is currently awaiting ratification. The senators made their demand known in a statement issued on Friday by its chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.

The senators also emphasized the need for state and local governments to bolster community vigilante groups to complement the police and military in intelligence gathering. They strongly condemned two separate attacks: one in Gaya community, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, and another in Ungushi village, Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The former attack, which occurred on Monday, August 17, claimed eight lives, including a police inspector and seven civilians, and led to the arson of two houses. The latter attack, on Friday, August 15, resulted in approximately 30 fatalities, including worshippers, with four soldiers losing their lives earlier that same day.

The forum advocated for decentralized policing, arguing that it would enhance response times and intelligence gathering at the grassroots level. In addition to their plea for prompt action, the senators offered condolences to the families of the victims, the governments, and the people of Adamawa and Sokoto States.