Northern Governors Advocate for State Police at Regional Security Summit
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
The Northern States Governors Forum and the Northern Traditional Rulers Council convened at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna to deliberate on escalating insecurity in the region and the urgent need for a dedicated state police force.
The gathering underscored the critical importance of local policing as an effective strategy to combat rising security challenges.
Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, chair of the Northern States Governors Forum, emphasized that insecurity has transitioned from a localized problem to a national threat. He reaffirmed that establishing state police remains a vital solution.
Governor Yahaya linked the region’s insecurity to factors such as underdevelopment, illiteracy, poor infrastructure, unemployment, environmental degradation, and mismanagement of resources. He called on regional leaders to intensify efforts to reverse these trends.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership in securing the release of kidnapping victims and called for continued efforts to free remaining hostages.
The summit reaffirmed regional commitment to collaborate with the federal government, security agencies, and local authorities to protect lives, property, and educational environments.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani highlighted ongoing strategies, including peer review mechanisms, to improve governance. He acknowledged the role of traditional institutions in nation-building and urged greater contributions to development.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad, Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council, pledged ongoing support from traditional institutions and emphasized the importance of effective service delivery rooted in good governance.
All 19 state governors, along with prominent emirs and chiefs from the Northern Region, attended the meeting.
