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State Police Key To Tackling Insecurity, Says Gani Adams

Published

6 months ago

December 8, 2025

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has declared strong support for the establishment of state police, saying decentralised policing is urgently needed to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

He stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, which was monitored by our correspondent.

Adams said he “totally agrees” with the position of the Southern Governors’ Forum, which recently renewed its call for state police as part of restructuring the country’s policing system.

The leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress also commended South-West governors for taking the lead on the issue.

“Anybody who loves this country will not disagree with state police, considering the situation we have,” he said.

Addressing concerns that state governors may misuse state police against political opponents, Adams said such fears should not overshadow the need to prioritise the protection of lives and property.

“Let us first talk about the protection of life and property, which is the primary responsibility of any government. Partisan politics is secondary,” he stated.

Adams argued that one of the major weaknesses of the current security structure is the deployment of officers who are not familiar with the communities they serve. He stressed that effective policing requires personnel drawn from local environments, who understand the terrain, history and people.

“If people in the community are not allowed to police and secure their area, bringing someone unfamiliar with the environment will make the job very difficult,” he said.

Using his hometown of Arigidi-Akoko in Ondo State as an example, Adams explained that residents possess in-depth knowledge of the community’s history, forest routes, and families that have lived there for generations—information that helps identify criminal elements and trace incidents quickly.

“We know our forests. We know where intruders enter. We know individuals with criminal backgrounds. Community members can provide intelligence that outsiders cannot,” he said.

Adams emphasised that Nigeria, with its three-tier system of government, cannot rely solely on a centralised policing structure.

He maintained that for security to be effective, each tier—federal, state, and local—must be allowed to develop its own police framework.

“There is no way you can run a country with three tiers of governance but only one structure of policing. Without allowing the three tiers to have their own policing structures, you cannot achieve effective security,” he said.

Demands for state policing have intensified in recent months, driven by rising insecurity across the country.

The Southern Governors’ Forum, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and security experts have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to decentralise policing.

Several governors, especially from the South-West, have argued that the centralised Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and unable to respond swiftly to localised security threats.

Regional outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West and vigilante groups in the North have emerged as stopgap measures, further fuelling debate over constitutional restructuring to allow state-controlled police services.

Despite concerns about potential political misuse, advocates insist that decentralised policing is essential for intelligence gathering, quicker response times, and stronger community involvement.

Adams’ comments add to the growing pressure on the Federal Government to adopt state policing as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s security system.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had called on the National Assembly to review existing laws to allow states to establish their own police forces, as part of efforts to address rising insecurity across the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on November 26 by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, declaring a nationwide security emergency.

“I call on the National Assembly to begin reviewing our laws to allow states that require state police to establish them,” he said.

The President also added that his “administration will support state governments that have set up security outfits to safeguard their people from terrorists bent on disrupting our national peace.”

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.