The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday, for the umpteenth time, failed to discuss the issue of state police and deferred decision on the matter despite the deteriorating security in the country.

NEC, in its previous sittings under Vice President Kashim Shettima, assured Nigerians of a final resolution of the matter when it reconvened.

The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, categorically stated that all the 36 states were favourably disposed to the establishment of state police, assuring that when the council reconvened, it would make a pronouncement and rest the matter.

But responding to a question on whether the issue of State Police was discussed during their closed door meeting, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, explained that though the matter was part of the crux on the agenda of the meeting, it was deferred as a result of lengthy presentations on some other national issues.

Parts of the country have been embroiled in a wave of attacks by herdsmen, with recent wanton killings in Plateau, Benue, and Zamfara states among others.

These herdsmen-related violence under the administration has affected at least 22 states across Nigeria, predominantly in the North Central geopolitical zone, but also spreading to other regions, including parts of the North and South.

In Plateau State, there was trouble in Bokkos and Bassa local government areas, where over 100 people were reportedly been killed and more than 2,000 displaced, according to emergency responders.

Benue witnessed the grisly killing of over 100 residents by bloodthirsty marauders who unleashed mayhem on communities in the Ukum and Logo local government areas.

Other notably affected states include Taraba, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Zamfara, Rivers, Ekiti, Enugu, Ogun, and Bayelsa.

Amid the mounting calls for action, however, the killers and their sponsors have continued to remain at large.

The conflict between farmers and herdsmen under the administration remains complex and violent, with no immediate resolution despite presidential commitments.

President Bola Tinubu has also emphasized reorienting herders towards ranching and urged state governors to provide land for cattle rearing, promising a comprehensive plan within weeks to end the clashes.

Reacting, however, Governor Diri assured that the matter would be deliberated exhaustively in the next Council sitting to put it to rest

He said, “State Police was part of our agenda today. (Thursday), But unfortunately, because of time demands, you know, we have been there for a very long time now, the presentations, we were unable to get to that bit of it (State Police). So, I can assure you that in our next meeting, that issue will be exhaustively discussed.”

On the presentation made by the Ministry of Livestock Development, especially on the issue of ranching, the governor said the presentation was a follow-up to previous deliberations.

He said: “The Ministry is looking at that sector (Livestock Development), as I said, being modernized, but more importantly, emphasis is placed on cattle ranching and peace building.

“And we believe that the council’s ministry presentation on cattle ranching is a modern solution to the issues of farmers and herders’ clashes.”