THE BENUE State Security Trust Fund Bill 2026 passes second reading on Thursday at the Benue State House of Assembly.
Leading the debate, Mr Thomas Dugeri, the Majority Leader, emphasised that the bill sought to create a pool of resources to support the acquisition of security equipment and the deployment of both human and material resources necessary for all security agencies operating in the state.
Dugeri said that part of the fund would be earmarked for the training and retraining of security personnel, ensuring that they were equipped to meet the evolving security challenges facing Benue.
“Our people are confronted with insecurity from multiple fronts. Security is everybody’s business, and it is imperative that we invest in the sector proactively to prepare for the rainy day,” he said, urging his colleagues to support the bill to pass second reading and subsequent passage.
Mr Samuel Agada (APC/Ogbadibo) described the bill as apt, timely, and necessary, while Mr Cephas Dyako (APC/Konshisha), highlighted that members of the public would also be encouraged to contribute financially to the fund.
Mr Anthony Agom (APC/Okpokwu), said that the initiative would help the government to address persistent security gaps and fulfil its responsibilities more effectively.
Mr Emmanuel Onah (PDP/Oju I), cited the example of Zamfara, where the governor purchased and distributed security vehicles to law enforcement agencies to combat insecurity.
He noted that Benue currently faced significant security challenges and pledged that his constituents were ready to contribute to the proposed fund.
After the debate, the Speaker, Mr Alfred Emberga, called on the Clerk, Dr Bem Mela, to read the bill for the second time.
Emberga further referred the bill to the Committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs to conduct a public hearing.
He said that after the public hearing, the bill was expected to receive accelerated passage. (NAN)
