The Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate alleged cases of police brutality and extra-judicial killings across the state.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised during Thursday’s plenary by Douglas Akya, who represents the Makurdi South constituency. Akya expressed concern over the growing number of unlawful killings in Benue, citing the alleged police killing of a cybercrime suspect, Fanen Kpentemem, and the reported shooting of mourners in Jato Aka by soldiers.
He reminded lawmakers that Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to life, emphasizing that such violations erode human dignity and public trust in security institutions.
Other members of the Assembly condemned the incidents, warning that failure to act could embolden security forces, further diminish confidence in public institutions, and potentially lead to civil unrest.
In addition to calling on the governor, the Assembly also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to launch immediate investigations into all reported extra-judicial killings in the state and ensure that any officers found culpable are held accountable.
Beyond security concerns, the Assembly directed the Ministry of Works to begin grading the Adum road, and tasked the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment with addressing severe gully erosion in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
Two bills also passed second reading:
One by Alias Audu (Gwer East) seeking to amend the law establishing the Benue State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Agasha.
Another by Ochekliye (Ohimini) proposing the creation of state-run skills acquisition centres in each of Benue’s three senatorial districts.
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