As part of efforts to address the security challenges in some parts of Benue state, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has approved for the creation of two area commands and the upgrade of five police stations in the state to Divisions.

The two Area commands approved by the IGP are to be located in Daudu and Naka, two places that have consistently bore the brunt of attacks by Fulani herdsmen, while the new Divisions are Ayilamo, Yelwata, Jato-Aka, Okokolo, and Agan.

Reacting to the development, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia said the action of the Police boss “clearly depicts the Federal Government’s recognition of Benue’s peculiar security challenges, especially those relating to armed herders’ terror activities wrapped in perpetual invasion of communities and other communal tensions in the state.

The Governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the strategic development as a crucial step that will further strengthen the security architecture of the state, bridge existing policing gaps, and enhance quicker response to security challenges, especially in flash points of insecurity in the state.

He assured the Police authorities, and indeed the entire security establishment of his administration’s “maximum cooperation and support to ensure that this noble initiative achieves its intended objectives.

“The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, as well as the protection of lives and property, stressing that the government will continue to partner with security agencies and provide necessary assistance to secure every community in Benue State” the statement noted.