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The Benue State Government has officially launched the People-Centered Public Safety Program (PCPSP), a comprehensive framework designed to place communities at the heart of security architecture and decision-making processes across the state.
The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the new Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi. Representing Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia at the event, Deputy Governor Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, described the program as more than a project—it is a clear policy declaration, a statement of intent, and a decisive step toward redefining public safety in Benue.
Governor Alia, in his address delivered through the Deputy Governor, emphasized that security is not a gift handed down by government but a collective responsibility built, sustained, and owned by the people. He anchored the PCPSP on Section 113 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which promotes citizens as active partners rather than passive recipients in crime prevention and resilience-building efforts.
The program adopts a governance-backed, people-centered model that integrates executive authority, institutional responsibility, and long-term sustainability. It brings together diverse stakeholders—including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), civil protection guards, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth representatives, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, and local government authorities.
Pilot implementation has already begun in Guma and Katsina-Ala local government areas, with plans to institutionalize community policing committees statewide. Governor Alia hailed the courage, resilience, and innovation shown by residents of Guma, Katsina-Ala, and Agatu LGAs, noting that their active participation serves as a powerful reminder that true security emerges from community ownership.
The governor pledged that women, young people, and internally displaced persons will not be mere beneficiaries but central actors in the program. He expressed appreciation to partners such as Lawyers Alert, Open Society Foundations, security agencies, and state institutions for embracing the collaborative approach.
Governor Alia called on all citizens of Benue to take full ownership of the framework, stressing that collective action is essential to protect lives, restore trust between communities and security institutions, and secure a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous future for the state.
The launch has been widely viewed as a significant policy shift toward inclusive, bottom-up security governance in Benue, where persistent farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and communal tensions have long challenged public safety. Officials say the program will be rolled out progressively across all 23 local government areas, with regular stakeholder reviews to ensure effectiveness and adaptability.
The statement was issued by Chief Solomon Iorpev, Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication.
