Benue State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Hyacinth Alia to set up a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate alleged incidents of police brutality and extra-judicial killings across the state.
The decision was reached during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Alfred Emberga, after a motion of urgent public importance was raised by Douglas Akya, lawmaker representing Makurdi South constituency.
Akya, while leading the debate, expressed concern that unlawful killings were becoming rampant in Benue.
He referenced the alleged killing of a cybercrime suspect, Fanen Kpentemem, by police operatives and the shooting of mourners in Jato Aka by soldiers.
He reminded the House that “Section 33 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life,” stressing that violations of this nature diminish human dignity and destroy public trust in security agencies.
Other legislators, who contributed, condemned the killings, warning that failure to act decisively could embolden security operatives, further weaken confidence in state institutions, and trigger social unrest.
The Assembly, in its resolution, also appealed to the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate all reported incidents of extra-judicial killings in the state and ensure that any officers found guilty face justice.
In addition to the security concerns, lawmakers directed the state Ministry of Works to begin grading the Adum road, while the Ministry of Water Resources and Environment was tasked with finding a permanent solution to gully erosion ravaging parts of Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
Two bills also advanced to the second reading stage: one sponsored by Alias Audu of Gwer East, seeking an amendment to the law establishing the Benue State College of Health Sciences and Technology, Agasha; and another by Ochekliye of Ohimini, proposing the establishment of state-run skills acquisition centres in each of the three senatorial districts.
Benue Assembly demands judicial probe into police brutality, killings