Benue Adopts People-Centered Public Safety Model as State Policy

The Benue State Government has officially launched and adopted the People-Centered Public Safety Model as a state policy, marking a significant shift in the governance of safety and security across the state.

Performing the ceremony at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia described the model as a governance-backed framework designed to reposition communities from passive recipients of security to active drivers of peacebuilding and stability. Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, the Governor stated that the policy aims to empower women, youths, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to take leadership roles in strengthening community safety structures.

Governor Alia noted that the initiative aligns with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act, which emphasizes community participation, respect for human rights, and structured collaboration between citizens and security institutions as core pillars of effective policing. According to him, embedding these principles into state policy demonstrates Benue’s commitment to institutional reform and sustainable peacebuilding.

The Governor explained that the model was piloted in Guma Local Government Area, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and Agatu Local Government Area, areas historically affected by communal tensions and displacement. He disclosed that the pilot phase recorded measurable impact, including strengthened information sharing, improved trust between communities and security actors, and more coordinated responses to emerging threats.

As part of the institutionalization process, Governor Alia announced that Community Policing Committees would be formally embedded within the state’s safety architecture. This, he said, would ensure that citizens move “from the margins to the center” of security decision-making, thereby deepening accountability and enhancing public confidence in security institutions.

The Governor commended Lawyers Alert for implementing the programme and acknowledged the support of the Open Society Foundations. He also praised security agencies and state institutions for embracing a collaborative, rights-based approach to public safety. He called on citizens of Benue to take ownership of the framework to protect lives, restore trust, and secure a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous state.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of a symbolic painting depicting a peaceful Benue community where residents coexist in safety and harmony, an artistic representation of the vision underpinning the policy.

Prior to the launch, the Director-General of the Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd), warmly welcomed the delegation at the Government House. He highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and collaboration in strengthening the implementation of the People-Centered Public Safety Model across the state.