MINNA, NIGERIA — In response to a surge in violent attacks, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Minna, the state capital, as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity. The curfew, which could soon extend to other parts of the state, comes amid concerns over the widespread use of motorcycles (Okada) and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) by criminals.
Governor Bago made the announcement during a security meeting with traditional leaders and heads of security agencies, vowing to personally lead operations to root out criminals. He warned that any property found harboring criminals or used in drug-related activities would be demolished.
“The responsibility of any government is to secure lives and property. I will not sit back and watch this state fall into the hands of criminals,” the governor said.
The directive exempts emergency medical services but places strict responsibilities on local leaders to monitor residents in their communities.
Benue Records Fresh Killings
On the same day, at least 11 people were reportedly killed in Afia, a community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, following a dawn attack by suspected armed herdsmen. The attack was confirmed by traditional ruler HRH Iyorkaa Kaave, who called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, saying the perpetrators “are not the herdsmen we used to know.”
At a meeting in Makurdi, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu assured residents that the federal government would address the security challenges. “We will defeat it. Benue is too important to be left at the mercy of killers,” Ribadu said, appealing for unity and cooperation with security agencies.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia described the attacks as systematic and devastating, noting that over 70 lives were lost in similar attacks last week. “We are under siege. These killings are underreported, and our people are defenseless,” he said.
He added that the state government has provided vehicles and motorcycles to aid security forces and stressed the need for urgent federal assistance.
NBA and Regional Leaders Demand State Police
Amid growing frustrations, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Plateau State has called on the Federal Government to allow the creation of state police. At a press briefing, NBA Jos Branch Chairman Leah Hassan condemned recent attacks in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs, calling them “a direct assault on our shared humanity.”
The NBA outlined key demands, including the arrest and prosecution of attackers, the deployment of more security personnel, and the empowerment of communities for self-defense.
Socio-political groups Afenifere and PANDEF also weighed in, stating that the Federal Government appears overwhelmed. Afenifere’s acting leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, said, “The only solution now is state police. Each state must be able to control its security operations.”
PANDEF’s High Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe criticized the federal response to northern violence while questioning the political motives behind declaring emergencies in other regions.
SDP’s Adebayo Blames Tinubu for Security Failures
Former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo, harshly criticized President Tinubu’s handling of national security. Speaking during his wife’s birthday celebration, Adebayo accused the administration of neglecting its primary duty of protecting lives.
“What is happening in Benue and Plateau shows a total failure of governance,” he said, adding that he plans to run for president again in 2027 under the SDP banner.
Police Reposition Mobile Force
In another development, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered the immediate withdrawal of Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) officers from unauthorized duties. The move aims to reallocate personnel to combat the rising insecurity more effectively.
He criticized the diversion of MOPOL from their original mandate as an elite tactical response unit. “We must return the PMF to its foundational role of rapid response to crises and emergencies,” he said.
As insecurity intensifies across the nation, the clamor for structural reforms, especially in policing, continues to grow louder among state actors and civil society.
