Amid growing concerns over the spate of insecurity across Nigeria, Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that the National Assembly has commenced the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police. This initiative, he said, is aimed at confronting the persistent challenges of terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes across the country.

Senator Bamidele made this known in his Easter message on Sunday, calling on Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and embrace unity in purpose to tackle the nation’s security crisis. The lawmaker representing Ekiti Central emphasized that the establishment of state police is part of the proactive legislative efforts being championed by the 10th National Assembly.

“While the Authority of the National Assembly is in the process of developing legal frameworks for the establishment of state police as one of the measures to address insecurity in the country, we urge security agencies to work together as a team to track and apprehend all the masterminds and sponsors of terror attacks nationwide,” Bamidele stated.

He warned against divisive rhetoric by some political figures, urging instead for collective action against Nigeria’s common enemies. “Such actors are no longer playing opposition politics, but simply taking advantage of the country’s internal conditions in pursuit of their own parochial political outcomes,” he said.

The Senate Leader reiterated the commitment of the federal legislature to building a federation rooted in peace, prosperity, and equity, appealing for all citizens—irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or politics—to contribute meaningfully to the unity and progress of the nation.

Also speaking on the worsening security situation, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, urged the federal government to intensify its efforts in curbing violent crimes, particularly the menace of armed herdsmen and the scourge of kidnapping that has plagued several communities.

Similarly, the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF) issued a strong warning to those perpetrating banditry and terrorism, urging them to halt their destructive activities. The forum also underscored the need for a multi-layered approach to security, including reforms in community policing and intelligence sharing.

Senator Bamidele, in his Easter message, further urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of Jesus Christ—justice, love, and peace—as guiding principles in navigating the nation’s challenges. “Despite the animosity He suffered and opposition He faced, Jesus Christ consciously sought and secured freedom for the captives, peace for the troubled, comfort for the sorrowful, and justice for the oppressed,” he said.

“The recent killings in Benue and Plateau states outrightly negate the virtues of peace and love that Jesus Christ taught,” Bamidele added, warning that no nation can thrive in division and mutual suspicion.