From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
As part of efforts to further nip insecurity in the bud, the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has launched a new security outfit called the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (BSCPG).
The BSCPG, made up of 5,000 trained personnel, is expected to work with the conventional security agencies in the state to tackle insecurity.
The Governor, during the commissioning, which took place at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square, in Makurdi on Saturday, also commissioned 100 new operational Hilux vehicles and 600 motorcycles for the use of security agencies in the state.
He recalled that he had promised to recruit 10,000 personnel for the outfit, saying the remaining recruits would be enrolled soon.
Governor Alia appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his 110 per cent support for the people of the state, saying that for any society to develop, security must be prioritised.
He assured that for a peaceful and industrialised Benue State, “We are going to combat criminality and create an environment where people can work and thrive without fear of harassment.”
He also noted that the launching, which represents a step to safeguard the lives and property of citizens, is a way of sending a clear message that the fight against insecurity in Benue State is already won.
Alia urged the personnel to live up to their expectations, as their role is critical to the peace and development of the state.
He thanked his fellow governors in the North, especially that of Gombe, Yobe, and the deputy governor of Kogi State, as well as representatives of Nasarawa and Taraba States, for their shared support to the state, and his Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, for his efforts at ensuring a peaceful environment for the Benue people to flourish and prosper.
He urged the Benue people to continue to support his administration in bringing the vision of ensuring a better Benue to fruition, explaining that he launched “Operation Anyam Nyor,” a Joint Security Task Force of hardworking and resilient people, which will bring about a huge security collaboration in the history of Benue State.
Alia also advised all criminal elements in the state to quickly take advantage of the state’s amnesty programme, as it presents an opportunity for them to be reintegrated into society before the deployment of the full task force.
The National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, expressed excitement at the security apparatus unleashed by Governor Alia, saying it would ensure peace and security in Benue State.
He said, “What we need is cooperation among security agencies to enable them to succeed in their operations.”
He also urged the state to take advantage of the federal government-established Livestock Development Ministry to reduce incidents of herders-farmers clashes, which are prominent in the region.
Also speaking, elder statesman Chief Barnabas Gemade commended the governor for rising to address some of the issues bothering the state, especially insecurity.
Gemade said, “Today we are seeing the creation of a body, civil in nature but strong enough to deal with issues of insecurity. When a man is given a responsibility, he must live up to it. Alia is not a talking governor but a doing governor because of what he is doing for our people.”
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the DIG Operations Force Headquarters Abuja, Ali Mohammed, appreciated Governor Alia for the good work he is doing, saying that 100 vehicles being marshalled out to ensure that the safety of residents and visitors alike is guaranteed is an uncommon achievement.
The IGP said security is the business of everyone and called on all to assist the police for the peace and security of the state.
“We are ready to give the criminals a run, and wherever they are, their camp is jittery, and we will do everything possible to ensure they leave the state.”
The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Mohammed Yahaya, expressed the compliments of his colleagues and commended the governor for fulfilling the promises he made to the people.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving hard to ensure Nigerians are secured to pursue their legitimate businesses.
He called for unity between the government and the people of the state to enable the governor to deliver on his mandate, adding that, “What Alia has done will take the state to the next pedestal and ensure that there is peace in the communities.”
The Tor Tiv and leader of the Benue State Traditional Council, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, said the event has put Benue far ahead of other states in efforts to address insecurity.
He stated that Alia, who has been working silently and effectively, has now come public to announce that he has prioritised security.
He pledged the full backing of 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 temptation to use any of them for such purposes, as it will defeat the purpose.
He urged them to keep and maintain the vehicles well, as they should be used for the purpose they have been donated.
He appreciated the chairman of the 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 in the area.