Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state capital, Minna, in response to increasing violence, including recent fatal stabbings.
The curfew could extend to other local government areas as authorities identify motorcycles and tricycles as key tools used by criminals.
Governor Bago announced the decision after a security meeting with traditional leaders and law enforcement agencies at the Government House, Minna. He emphasized that the curfew aims to curb the rising insecurity in the state capital.
“I will not stay back and watch criminals continue to perpetrate evil in the state,” Governor Bago declared. “Fighting insecurity should be everybody’s business.”
Meanwhile, violence continues to devastate neighboring Benue State, where 11 people were killed in renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen in Afia, Ukum Local Government Area.
In response to the bloodshed, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu assured Benue residents that the attacks would be confronted. “We will defeat it. The country is with you,” Ribadu said during a meeting with local leaders.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue lamented the continued attacks, describing the state as being under siege. “These people do not have any reason to live with normal people,” he said, noting the persistent violence and the displacement of thousands of citizens.
As insecurity escalates across the country, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the creation of state police forces, emphasizing the need for more localized security solutions.
“States should be allowed to establish their police to curb the increasing wave of killings,” said Leah Hassan, Chairperson of the NBA’s Jos branch.
The Federal Government is facing increasing pressure to address the growing crisis. Afenifere and PANDEF have expressed concerns that the government is overwhelmed by the surge in insecurity.
Afenifere’s acting leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, stated, “The Federal Government is overwhelmed. The only panacea to what is happening now is for each state to have its police force.”
Amid these calls for action, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the withdrawal of Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) officers from unauthorized duties to ensure their availability for core assignments.
“It is important that we remind ourselves of the original vision that shaped the Police Mobile Force,” Egbetokun emphasized.
