BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

…donates 20 operational vehicles, 200 bullet proof jackets, arms and ammunition
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, over the week, donated 20 equipped operational vehicles, 200 bullet proof jackets, arms and ammunition to the Benue State Police Command with a charge on the police to step up it’s fight against criminality in the state.

The Governor who reiterated his commitment to tackle violent crimes and all forms of criminality in the state,recalled that in 2010, he also extended similar gesture to security agencies in the state with the donation of 46 well equipped Hilux Vans and four APCs to enhance security operations in the state.

He recalled that before the advent of his administration in 2007, Benue State was ranked among the most volatile in the federation but noted that the story has changed with the various supports his administration has extended to security agencies in the state.

Suswam stressed that the security of the state has also been further enhanced by the Joint Military and Police Task Force code named ‘Operation Zenda’ established by his administration in 2008.

Governor Suswam, IGP MD Abubakar and Speaker of the Benue State House, Dave Iorhemba at the presentation of the equipment

According to him, “as a government, we will continue to support the Police and security agencies in Benue state. And we will continue to remove all factors that induce and encourage criminality in any part of the State.  We have also directed security agencies to be vigilant enough to deal with any security challenges in the state, and as a government, we will continue to assist them to discharge that responsibility with all diligence and commitment”, Suswam said.

Earlier in his speech, the Inspector-General of Police,  Mohammed Abubakar stated that the Police requires the collaboration and cooperation of sitting Governors in the states to discharge it’s responsibilities to Nigerians.

The Police boss who commissioned the vehicles urged other Governors in the country to emulate the Benue State example by assisting the various formations in their respective states in order to enhance the security of lives and property of the generality of Nigerians.

The IGP urged Nigerians to always avail the police necessary information and support especially now that the nation is facing a critical security challenge.