Benue State Government is set to launch a new local security outfit.
The State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia disclosed this during the stakeholders meeting held in Makurdi on Tuesday.
According to the governor, the security outfit which is to be launched before the end of May 2024 will recruit ten thousand youths to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state.
Governor Alia said the launch of the state-owned security outfit would aid in securing Benue communities and enabling farmers to access their farmlands without fear.
He explained that his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.
The governor told the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come in and destabilize the peace of the state.
He listed some local government areas that are the worst hit including; Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, and Agatu.
Meanwhile, a group known as ‘Defenders of Democracy’ in a statement issued by its president, Amos Uchiv described the decision as ‘unnecessary duplication’, adding that the state already has a legitimate security apparatus in place, known as the Community Volunteer Guards.
The group noted that personnel of the state Volunteer Guards were recruited in accordance with the law enacted by the State House of Assembly.
Parts of the statement read, “We find such a move as poorly conceived, unnecessary and a waste of state resources. We suspect that Governor Alia is planning to recruit people and give them official status to go after his political opponents.
“It is important to note that Benue State already has a legitimate security apparatus in place, known as the Community Volunteer Guards, who were recruited in accordance with the law enacted by the State House of Assembly.
“These guards underwent training by conventional security agencies and were launched by the former Governor Samuel Ortom.
“If the Governor does not find the Community Volunteer Guards effective, why is he keeping them to protect the gate of his private residence and other government facilities in the state?
“We view the decision of Governor Alia with great skepticism and alarm, as it appears to be a wasteful and potentially dangerous move that could jeopardize the peace and security of our beloved state.
“Since he became governor, Alia has not purchased even one motorcycle for the police, civil defense or any of the other security agencies. He does not see the need to hold regular security meetings to receive briefings from heads of security agencies in the state as is the tradition.
“We strongly urge Governor Alia to reconsider his decision to launch a new security outfit and instead focus on empowering the existing Community Volunteer Guards and the conventional security agencies to enhance their effectiveness in serving the state.”
The group called on the governor to prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents of the state.
