The Centre for Democracy and Open Governance (CDOG) has thrown its weight behind the call by Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for the establishment of state policing to end the incessant killings and maiming of the citizenry in the state.

In a statement on Monday, the group, led by Comrade Tope Ajai, reiterated that the measure remains the best approach to resolving the state’s security challenges.

The group emphasised the need for regulating firearms possession, while also acknowledging citizens’ right to self-defence in a manner that is both appropriate and responsible.

Applauding the call for state policing by Governor Alia, the group argued that it makes no sense to allow heavily armed bandits and criminals to continue to enjoy free movement.

The group called on political actors to heed the counsel of President Bola Tinubu by putting aside their differences in the interest of the state’s people.

“They must make this sacrifice for the people if they truly want to rule over human beings in the near future. Our innocent people, women and children, cannot be left to defend themselves suddenly. We must be proactive to avert future crises,” it noted.

“In the interim, we expect Mr President to take responsibility for the security of lives and property of the people of the state while pursuing the implementation of the most viable option to achieve lasting peace,” it noted.

“Without human beings, the renewed hope agenda of Mr President becomes meaningless to the people, hence the urgency to reassure the people with concrete steps to protect beyond rhetoric and blame passing.

“As widely noted by stakeholders the role of politicians in the crises, needless to say that the situation at hand now more than ever before, requires unity and sincerity of purpose by all,” the group said.

The group commended all interim efforts by the state and federal governments and called for a long-term plan to rehabilitate the affected communities and reintegrate them to normal living standards.

They further reminded the authorities that under no circumstances should the leaders find an excuse to shift their constitutional responsibility for protecting lives and property back to the people.