The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly to begin the process of constitutional amendment to allow for the creation of state police.

At a plenary presided over by the speaker, MUDASHIRU OBASA, the House also called for the proper equipping of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps to support other security agencies in the state.

OBASA, who spoke under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance’, said that the country’s security system is overstretched.

Highlighting a recent kidnap in the Ikorodu area of Lagos, he reiterated calls by the House for the establishment of state police.

The speaker also allayed fears that governors could hijack the state police to their advantage. 

According to him, the laws would put a system in place to check excesses.

While urging the Lagos State government to allocate a specific percentage from the Security Trust Fund to empower and strengthen the Neighbourhood Safety Corps, OBASA said it would be good to address the root causes of insecurity through effective youth engagement initiatives, such as sports.