Niger market attack: We must speed up process to introduce state police, says Atiku

March 23

10:40 2024

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Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, has condemned the killing of residents in Madaka community, Rafi LGA of Niger state.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Abubakar called for a quick amendment of the constitution to introduce state police for local security.

On Thursday, bandits invaded Madaka market and killed more than 20 residents, while over 20 women were abducted.

A district head of the community was also killed during the attack.

Many survivors of the attack have fled the community as the bandits destroyed properties, burnt down houses and rustled their cattle.

“It is saddening that Nigeria has become a killing field. Thursday’s killing of scores of persons, including the village head and abduction of an unspecified number of people by suspected bandits in Madaka, in Rafi local government area of Niger state, is yet another confirmation that contrary to assurances, insecurity continues to be rife in our country,” Atiku said.

“We have to prioritise security and speed up the process of a constitutional amendment that will introduce state police so that states and local authorities can deploy mechanisms that best suit their environment in tackling this hydra-headed insecurity in our land.”

On February 15, the federal government set up a committee to explore the creation of state police.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information, said the president and governors have agreed on modalities for the concept.

The minister said a series of meetings would take place to determine the workability of a decentralised police force.

However, on February 22, the National Economic Council (NEC) said it had received reports on the proposal from only 16 states.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima said 20 states were yet to send in reports, adding that the response to the proposed initiative was not impressive.