News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured the people of the state that his administration will ensure the safety of every Benue resident and create an environment where everyone will flourish.
Governor Alia gave the assurance at the IBB Square Makurdi, on Saturday, during the official launch of the 5000 officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) code named “Anyam Nyor”.
He also donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 Special combatant motorcycles to security agencies to enable them effectively combat crime in the state.
Speaking during the event, Alia said “As the Governor of Benue State, I am aware of my duty to protect the lives and property of our people. My total commitment to ensuring the safety of every Benue resident is firm, as security remains my top priority. We cannot build a prosperous state upon insecurity. I am resolute in my determination to safeguard our people and to create an environment where they can flourish,” the governor explained.”
He said the move to establish the BSCPG and the donation of security vehicles was a demonstration of his deep commitment to the security and well-being of the people of the state, and also a fulfilment of the earlier promise he made some time ago that the State government will recruit 0,000 youths to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatuses in safeguarding the state and its people.
He described the BSCPG as a security outfit established by law, with the goal to decisively combat criminality and create an environment where the people of the state can live, farm, work, and thrive without fear.
“The formal launch of the 5000 gallant officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the donation of vehicles and special combatant motorcycles, as well as the unveiling of the Operation “Anyam Nyor” Joint Security Task Force, represents a decisive step forward in ensuring the safety and security of our people. It is my firm belief that with these initiatives, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding lives and property but also sending a clear message that the fight against insecurity in Benue State is won already,” the governor assured.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the state, his colleagues and fellow governors and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their cooperation and encouragement in their shared commitment to national security, as well as the state security team led by Air Commodre Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd), Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Mr. Joseph Har for their leadership and dedication which he said have made the initiative a reality
The Governor equally appreciated the Service Chiefs, especially the Inspector General of Police for recently donating two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Benue State Police Command; the Benue State Traditional Council, led by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Ochi Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, as well as the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, for his dedication to peace-building in Benue.
He thanked the 5000 youths for responding to the call of service to serve as Gallant officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, charging them to embody the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties, as they have been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the safety and security of Benue communities.
While calling on the people to take full advantage of the Amnesty Programme, which is being vigorously pursued by the State Amnesty Committee, chaired by the Tor Tiv and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, the governor reminded the people of the State that the time for elections are over, and as such, it is now time to deliver good governance.
He called on all well-meaning Benue sons and daughters to come together and support his administration to move the state forward.
The Chairman of Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Gombe state, Mohammed Yahaya, commended the Governor for fulfilling the promises he made to the people adding that his efforts was in line with that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is striving hard to ensure Nigerians are secured to pursue their legitimate businesses.
He called for support for Governor Alia to enable him deliver on his mandate adding that what he has done will take the state to the next pedestal and ensure that there is peace in Benue communities.
Also speaking, the Paramount rler of the Tiv Nation, Tor Tiv HRM Prof. James Ayatse, said the new security outfit and the sea of vehicles being donated to them have put Benue far ahead of other state in efforts of addressing insecurity in the state.
He stated that Alia whom he described as a silently achiever, has by the event, announced publicly that security has been prioritized.
He pledged the full support of the traditional rulers in the security of the state and promised to cooperate with the personnel to tackle insecurity in the state.
The Tor Tiv who noted that the personnel were not recruited for any political purposes but for protection urged citizens to resist the temptations to use any of them for such purposes as it will defeat the purpose.
He urged them to keep and maintain the vehicle well and should be used for the purpose they have been donated.
He appreciated the chairman of NGF for his leadership saying the north has a common challenge of insecurity and if they work together, they will surmount the insecurity challenge and ensure peace, progress and Development of the area.
