The North Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Forum has sounded the alarm over the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, labeling it a dangerous move that could exacerbate oppression of minority groups.
In a statement issued in Abuja and reported by Punch Newspapers, the forum argued that decentralizing policing powers risks creating tools for state governors to suppress dissent and marginalize ethnic and religious minorities.
The forum’s chairman, Alhaji Idris Musa, expressed deep concerns during a press briefing, warning that state police could become “instruments of political vendetta” in the hands of powerful governors.
“Handing policing to states without robust checks will lead to abuse, especially against minorities who already face discrimination,” Musa said.
He cited Nigeria’s complex ethnic and religious landscape, particularly in the North Central region, where tensions over land and resources are rife, as a potential flashpoint for misuse.
The group pointed to existing vigilante groups and state-backed security outfits, claiming some have already been used to intimidate political opponents and minority communities.
“What guarantees do we have that state police won’t follow the same path?” Musa questioned, urging the federal government to strengthen the existing Nigeria Police Force instead.
The forum called for comprehensive reforms, including better funding, training, and oversight, to address security challenges without risking localized tyranny.
The statement comes amid heated national debates over state police, with proponents arguing it would enhance local security and opponents fearing it could deepen regional divisions.
The North Central APC Youth Forum’s stance adds a critical voice to the discourse, highlighting the potential for state-controlled forces to undermine Nigeria’s fragile unity, particularly for vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt.
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