Benue Govt Unveils People-Centred Public Safety Programme, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace and Security

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has officially inaugurated the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) Project, describing it as a landmark step in the state’s ongoing quest for peace and security.
Speaking at the launch held at Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday, Governor Alia said the initiative represents not only a policy direction but also a moral obligation to restore public confidence across the state.

The governor was represented at the event by his Deputy, Sam Ode.
He observed that the state has endured repeated cycles of violence and instability, stressing that the new programme reflects the government’s determination to pursue peace, safety, stability, and collective healing.
Drawing from experiences in Guma Local Government Area, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, and Agatu Local Government Area, the governor noted that community resilience, innovation, and cooperation have proven effective in reducing violence. He explained that the PCPS framework is built on the understanding that sustainable security cannot be imposed solely by government but must be developed, maintained, and owned through collaboration between citizens and institutions.
Governor Alia disclosed plans to formally establish Community Policing Committees to ensure that citizens — particularly women, youths, and internally displaced persons — play active roles in shaping safety strategies and accountability processes.
He emphasized that the PCPS initiative is not a short-term experiment but a state-wide governance framework backed by executive authority and designed for long-term sustainability.
The governor commended Lawyers Alert and Open Society Foundations for their advocacy and partnership. He also acknowledged the support of security agencies and state institutions, urging residents of Benue to embrace the framework, collaborate in trust and coordination, and work collectively to safeguard lives, rebuild trust, and secure a peaceful and prosperous future for the state.
In his remarks, the President of Lawyers Alert, Dr. Rommy Mom, described the initiative as a major shift in security strategy, aligning with the governor’s vision of protecting lives and communities.
He stated that while government responses to insecurity have largely been kinetic, a significant gap remained — the lack of trust between citizens and security agencies. According to him, this trust deficit has often discouraged communities from reporting incidents or sharing intelligence during crises.
Dr. Mom explained that the need to bridge this gap led to the adoption of a people-centred framework and the creation of Community Policing Committees as provided under the Police Act. He noted that the Act mandates the establishment of such committees at both state and local government levels to strengthen cooperation between communities and security agencies.
“These structures are designed to place citizens at the centre of safety initiatives by promoting information sharing, early warning systems, and collective problem-solving,” he said.
He further revealed that Benue became the first state to implement the model as envisioned by law, identifying Guma and Katsina-Ala as pilot areas. In those locations, committees made up of women, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders worked closely with the police, civil defence, and local volunteers.
According to him, the collaboration enhanced accountability, improved communication, and enabled security agencies to provide regular briefings to communities. He added that residents began to witness immediate improvements in their personal safety and daily activities.
“People regained the confidence to go about trading, schooling, and running small businesses without fear. Trust between communities and security agencies in the pilot local governments improved significantly, with early warning mechanisms and shared responsibility becoming central pillars of the evolving public safety system,” he stated.
Also speaking at the event, representatives of Guma and Katsina-Ala LGAs, Justin Tsukwe and Grace Mue, shared testimonies on the positive impact of the Community Policing Committees and the People-Centred Public Safety initiative in their communities. They commended Lawyers Alert for implementing the programme, noting that it has contributed to restoring relative peace in their areas.