By Aare Abiodun Oluwarotimi
Concerned Members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have advocated adequate security in the state to sustain the infrastructural development being put in place by Governor Hyacinth Alia-led administration.
The group in a statement available to Nigerian Concord Newspaper by its Commander, Mr. Terver Yaa encouraged the people to give timely security information to the authorities to combat criminal activities.
The group also urged the people of Benue State to support the governor and his appointees in addressing the menace of insecurity in the state.
While thanking former governor Samuel Ortom for his dedication to the security of lives and properties while he held sway as governor for eight years, the group appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to integrate about 10,000 members of the group to the new domestic security outfit recently approved by the state house of assembly.
The group in the statement traced the historical context of the security challenges in Benue State to long-standing tensions between farmers and herders over land use and resources, and exacerbated by factors such as climate change and the rise of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and cultism.
“Benue State in Nigeria has been facing severe security challenges including the Farmers-Herders crisis, terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and cultism”. Is further noted.
Mr. Yaaya commended Governor Alia for appointing competent security advisors and the established of the office of Director General in Charge of Homeland Security to combat crime in the state.
They also call on influential individuals and stakeholders to promote peace and dialogue to prevent further violence in the state.
The communiqué also urged the Governor to expedite the implementation of the Civil Protection Guards security outfit recently passed into law by the Benue State House of Assembly.
“By mobilizing community engagement and advocacy, the Group aims to drive positive changes and promote peace, security, and development in Benue State”. It said.
The Group emphasizes the need for unity and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to overcome the security challenges in Benue State.