The tragic story of Dr. Murtala Sale Dandashire, a young and brilliant doctor, stands as a harrowing symbol of the ongoing insecurity ravaging Nigeria. Dr. Dandashire, a distinguished graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and the recipient of 13 academic awards, was struck by a bullet while tending to patients at the General Hospital in Kankara, Katsina State. His life, once filled with promise and purpose, now hangs in the balance as he battles for survival. This horrifying event is not just a singular tragedy but a devastating indictment of a system that has failed to protect its citizens, especially those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

Governors of Nigeria, this is your moment. This is your opportunity to rise above political distractions and bureaucratic delays to demand immediate action. The centralized policing structure has proven to be a monumental failure, incapable of addressing the complex and localized security challenges that plague our nation. The time for debate and delay is over. The time for decisive, collective action is now.

A Shocking Attack on a Place of Healing
Dr. Dandashire was doing what he had sworn to do: save lives. In the very place where people come to find refuge and care, he became a victim of the violence that has permeated every corner of this country. Hospitals, once sanctuaries of hope and healing, have now become battlegrounds. This attack is not just an assault on one man—it is an assault on the very fabric of our society. It sends a chilling message to every doctor, nurse, and healthcare worker: even in the act of saving lives, your own life is not safe.

Imagine the fear and chaos that gripped the hospital that fateful evening. Patients, families, and staff watched in horror as a man who had dedicated himself to healing was struck down in his place of work. The psychological toll of such an event is immeasurable, not only on those who witnessed it but on the entire healthcare community. How can we expect our medical professionals to stay and serve in a country where their safety is not guaranteed?
The Overwhelming Failure of Centralized

Policing
This tragedy is yet another stark reminder that the centralized policing system is broken beyond repair. The Nigeria Police Force, with its approximately 370,000 officers, is tasked with securing a nation of over 200 million people. This sheer imbalance alone renders the system ineffective, but the problem runs deeper. The centralized structure is rigid, unresponsive, and disconnected from the unique needs of individual communities.

Governors, you know the truth: the federal government’s grip on policing is not about protecting Nigerians. It is about protecting their power. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force are reluctant to relinquish control, even as the system crumbles under the weight of its inefficiency. But Nigeria is too vast, too diverse, and too complex to be governed by a one-size-fits-all policing model. This outdated system is failing, and the cost of its failure is measured in human lives.

A United Front: The Power of the Governors
Governors across Nigeria have demonstrated a growing consensus on the urgent need for state police, recognizing it as the most viable solution to the country’s worsening security crisis. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State recently delivered a compelling argument for decentralization, highlighting the inadequacies of the current system. He stated:
“Knowing full well that we have a lot of ungoverned spaces in Nigeria, and also that we have a lot of deficits in terms of number of boots on ground… the establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing the problem of insecurity in our own country.”

This unified agreement among governors reflects a collective understanding that the current centralized policing system cannot adequately address the diverse and localized security challenges in Nigeria. Back in February 2024, the federal government and the National Economic Council (NEC) requested states to submit detailed plans for implementing state police. By March, 16 states had submitted their proposals, and now all 36 states have reportedly completed the process. The House of Representatives is also deliberating a legislative bill to amend the 1999 Constitution to pave the way for state police.

The support for state police extends beyond governors to ethnic organizations such as Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF, and the Middle Belt Forum, as well as political bodies like the PDP Governors Forum and the Northern Governors Forum (NGF). These groups have all called for immediate action, emphasizing that a decentralized policing system is critical to addressing the nation’s escalating insecurity.
Governors, you are not powerless. Together, you represent the collective will of the people and hold the political, moral, and practical authority to demand this change. The safety of your citizens depends on your ability to lead with courage and determination. State police is not just about combating insecurity; it is about rebuilding trust in governance. By standing together and demanding its implementation, you affirm to your people that their safety is your top priority. This issue transcends regional or partisan lines—it is a matter of national survival.

The people are watching, and the future of Nigeria rests on your ability to act decisively. United, you can push for the establishment of state police and set the nation on a path toward a more secure and just society. The time for action is now.

State Police: A Necessity, Not an Option
A decentralized policing system would transform the security landscape of Nigeria. State police would allow each state to design and implement security strategies tailored to its unique challenges. It would enable faster response times, better community engagement, and more effective crime prevention. Specialized units within state police forces could protect critical institutions like hospitals and schools, ensuring that tragedies like the one in Kankara never happen again.

Critics may argue that state police could be abused by governors, but these concerns should not paralyze us into inaction. Safeguards can be built into the system to ensure accountability, such as independent oversight bodies and clear operational guidelines. The fear of abuse cannot outweigh the pressing need for reform. The current centralized system is already a colossal failure, and its continued existence is costing lives every day.

A Moral Obligation to Act
Governors, the blood of Dr. Dandashire and countless other victims is a call to action. You must rise above the reluctance and resistance of the federal government. You must confront the IGP and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force with the undeniable truth: their centralized control is killing Nigerians. The people are looking to you for leadership, for courage, and for action.

This is not just about protecting healthcare workers or securing hospitals. It is about creating a nation where every citizen can feel safe, where families can live without fear, and where professionals like Dr. Dandashire can serve without risking their lives.

The Time for Action Is Now
Governors, history will judge you not by your words but by your actions. This is your moment to lead, to demand state police, and to secure the future of Nigeria. The federal government has delayed long enough. The centralized policing system is a relic of the past, and its continued existence is a betrayal of the Nigerian people.
Dr. Dandashire’s life, whether it ends in tragedy or recovery, must not be in vain. His story is a rallying cry for change, a call for a united front among governors to demand the decentralization of policing. You have the power to shape the future, to protect your citizens, and to honor the sacrifices of those who have paid the ultimate price for our failures.