…donates 100 hilux vans, 600 combatant motobikes

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has launched a 5,000 man Benue State Civil Protection Guards, BSCPG, and a Joint Security Task Force in the State, codenamed Operation “Anyam Nyor.”

The Governor also donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 Special Combatant motorcycles to security agencies in the state.

Performing the exercise weekend in Makurdi, the Governor said the BSCPG was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatus in the state “by way of synergising and comparing notes on security challenges and adopting global best practices in tackling them.”

While noting the importance of security to the growth and development of every society, the Governor emphasized that “with this understanding, and in pursuit of our collective vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and industrialized Benue State, we have made strategic investments aimed at fortifying the capacity of our security agencies.

“The goal is to decisively combat criminality and create an environment where our people can live, farm, work, and thrive without fear.

“The formal launch of the 5,000 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 commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the initiative and also lauded the volunteers who presented themselves to be recruited into the outfit and urged them to observe the best ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council and Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse who commended the Governor for the initiative pointed our that he was for the first time seeing a huge investment in equipping security agencies in the state.

He said “from what I have seen here today you have openly declared that you prioritised security. And I can assure you that you have the full backing of the Benue State Traditional Council.

“We will work closely with the guards and together we will ensure that we contain the challenges of insecurity in our communities.”

The Royal Father also urged that the guards should be used for civil protection and not for political purposes.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya who commended Governor Alia for taking proactive steps to tackle security challenges in the state urged the people of the state to rally round the Governor to enable him do more for the state.

Also the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Umar Ganduje who congratulated the state government and the Governor Alia for establishing the guards noted that the coming of the guards would ensure security in the state and also help to contain farmers/herders conflict in the state.