October 14, (THEWILL) – Governor Samuel Ortom has inaugurated the second batch of Benue state Community Volunteer Guards with a promise to jack the number to 10,000 before the end of his administration on May 29th, 2023.
Speaking at the IBB Square Makurdi on Thursday while inaugurating the 1100 personnel of the guards, the governor explained that the earlier 500 personnel were trained and were to complement the efforts of regular security agents operating in the state.
He decried the death of over 120 security agents operating in Benue state by terrorists Fulani herdsmen and charged all to cooperate with an outfit to excel in the course of duty.
The governor stated that he has applied to the federal government to allow the Guards to bear AK-47 rifles but for three months, he is get a response, saying in a little time from now, if the response has not come, he will revert to Benue stakeholders for necessary action.
“The State Governments are working with the Federal Government of Nigeria towards moving from community policing to State Police. When this eventually becomes reality we will give the current Community Volunteer Guards the pre-emptive right to join the State Police. That is the first right of refusal”.
“Let me appreciate the strong will of the Security Agencies towards fighting the menace of Boko Haram, Banditry, ISWAP, the merciless killing of our farmers by marauding Fulani terrorists “herders” which have become a security threat of unknown magnitude in the history of our dear Nigeria”.
He urge the Police, Army, Air-force, Navy, Civil Defence Corps and other Paramilitary Agencies to remain resolute and committed to their oath to defend Nigeria.
On his part, the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr Titus Uba, explained that the anti-open grazing was the first step the Ortom administration took as a check to secure the Benue people.
He noted that the Community Volunteer Guards was the second step and called on the federal government to allow the establishment of State police in the country, assuring of the Assembly’s support of the policy to curb threats in the state.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Security Matters, Colonel Paul Hemba retired, warned the personnel against misconduct in the course of duty, pointing out that one of the officers was dismissed for raping a woman while on duty.
The Adviser expressed happiness over the feedback on the activities of the Guards as they were instrumental in the arrest of the Cameronian Amazonia in Jato-Aka in Kwande local government area.
The Tor Tiv and chairman of Benue state council of Chiefs, Professor James Ayatse, commended governor Ortom for promulgating laws that tend to protect his subjects, promising to mobilize their subjects to be security alert in various communities in the state.
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