Despite persistent calls by the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for the creation of state police, the lawmaker representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Yusuf Gagdi, has kicked against the idea. While visiting some of the attacked and displaced communities in Kanam on Sunday, Yusuf rejected the calls for the establishment of state police in Nigeria, stating that he has never supported Mutfwang and other governors’ calls for the police because he believes they will be used against perceived political opponents.
He stated that he will never support the establishment of a second security force to aid in combating the invaders, even in light of the violence in the state and the infiltration of armed bandits and militias. Despite the growing number of bandits in the Kanam council’s Garga, Kukawa, Kyaram, Gyambau, Dungur, and Shuwaka communities—all of which fall under his direct jurisdiction—Gagdi, who has served in the House for more than a decade, stated that the establishment of state police is not the answer.
However, the lawmaker emphasized that state police would not address Plateau’s persistent security issues and pushed for increased and improved funding for the state’s traditional security agencies.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, Gagdi stated, “Even on the House floor, I believe that governors will abuse state police, especially against political opponents, rather than to maintain peace and order.”
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