News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Benue State Government has called on residents of the State to be vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies to protect public infrastructure from been damaged, vandalized and from theft.
The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utility Hon Timothy Chia noted that reported cases were so far as a result of drunk driving and speeding.
The PSA was reacting to a scenario of a drunken driver who allegedly destroyed some street solar lights recently installed by government at the Ankpa Quarters- Cathedral Road.
Hon Chia stressed that the acts of destroying government facilities posed a substantial threat to the economic well-being of residents of the State, He emphasized the importance of people in each community taking ownership of public properties in their areas in their own interest.
According to him, anyone caught driving recklessly, destroying, stealing or vandalizing any public property would be prosecuted in accordance with extant laws and punished accordingly if found guilty.
Harping on the imperative of the towns working hard to avert destruction of the government facilities, the PSA stressed that no community can have desired development with destruction of government facilities.
He also warned communities that government may not contemplate siting any project in any turbulent environment for security reasons.
He said his office,Security Agencies and the Office of the Attorney General via Public Order were in collaboration to ensure those found guilty of the aforementioned were sanctioned.
He reiterated the commitment of the State Government to a rapid development of infrastructures in the State with the aim of boosting socioeconomic status of the
people, Chia warned perpetrators to desist from vandalizing public properties, stressing that apart from the punishment awaiting them when apprehended, it is important to note the ripple effect of their malicious acts on individuals and communities that were left in an undeveloped state.
The PSA solicited the continued support of all stakeholders for efforts of the Alia led Government to make life easier for them, stressing the need for all and sundry to contribute their quota to the development process towards achieving the desired goals.
