Benue State Government has officially launched the People-centered Public Safety (PCPS) Program, a new governance-driven security initiative designed to place communities at the core of public safety systems.
The program, unveiled at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Makurdi, aligns with Section 113 of the Nigeria Police Act, which promotes community partnership in policing and security management.
Governor Alia was represented at the event by his deputy, Sam Ode.
According to the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, in a statement on Tuesday, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia described the initiative as more than a project, calling it “a declaration of intent, a policy statement, and a decisive step toward redefining public safety” in the state.
He stressed that security cannot be imposed but must be built, sustained, and owned collectively by the people.
Governor Alia commended residents of Guma, Katsina-Ala, and Agatu Local Government Areas for their courage, resilience, and innovation in community-led security efforts. He described their commitment as proof that security is not a government gift but a shared responsibility.
The Governor announced plans to institutionalize community policing committees across the state, moving citizens from the margins to the center of security decision-making.
According to him, the PCPS model has now been adopted as a statewide public safety framework anchored on executive authority, institutional responsibility, and long-term sustainability.
He further assured that women, youths, and internally displaced persons would not merely benefit from the program but would play central roles in its implementation.
Governor Alia expressed appreciation to Lawyers Alert, the Open Society Foundations, security agencies, and other state institutions for supporting the collaborative approach.
He urged all residents of Benue to take ownership of the framework to protect lives, restore trust, and build a peaceful and prosperous future.
The PCPS program, initially established in Guma and Katsina-Ala, brings together the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), civil protection guards, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth representatives, persons with disabilities, and local government authorities.
