Benue State governor Samuel Ortom said he had on behalf of the state government applied to a federal government agency for approval to procure automatic weapons, particularly AK47 assault rifles to strengthen the logistics and defence capability of the state.
He said from 2017 till date, over 120 security personnel have been killed by the marauding herdsmen in the course of defending Benue communities from invaders.
At the passing out parade and inauguration of the second batch of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards (BSCVGs) yesterday, Ortom said: “I am still awaiting approval from the federal government, failure to approve, I will seek the opinion of my people to do the needful, because, this is three months that I have applied and I am yet to get any response.”
He said his administration had procured essential equipment as permitted by law and handed them over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for use by BSCVGs for effective crime fighting.
Ortom said, “Motor vehicles and motorcycles have also been made available to you directly and additional vehicles and motorcycles have been procured and will be made available to you today as part of essential logistic tools for crime fighting.”
The governor said an additional 1,100 BSCVGs personnel who have been trained were inaugurated yesterday and warned them to see themselves as complementing partners to the conventional security operatives.
On August 14, 2022, the governor inaugurated the first batch of 500 trained Community Volunteer Guards to complement the efforts of the conventional security operatives at combatting increased incidents of insecurity and breach of peace by incessant attacks on Benue farming communities.
The governor explained that “the training and passing-out of the second batch of Benue State (BSCVGs) is not just a mere celebration of the involvement of the people in protecting themselves but also, a milestone in the effort to ensure a stable, peaceful and united Nigeria where all and sundry shall enjoy equal rights and God given freedom.”
He urged the command structure of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards to operate strictly within the ambit of the law, in order not to betray the powers bestowed on thesm by the people. He told them to remain apolitical, conscientious, courteous, vigilant and strong to stand firm and protect the people.
He said it is important for them to be mindful that the conventional security agencies are their allies and their success depends on how well they synergize with them.
Ortom also disclosed that the state government is currently working with the federal government towards moving from community policing to state police, adding that when this eventually becomes a reality “we will give the current community volunteer guards the pre-emptive rights to join the state police. That is, the first right of first refusal.”
Earlier, the Tor Tiv who is also the chairman Benue State Council of Chiefs Prof James Ayatse, represented by Tor Kwande, Chief Ambrose Iortyer said the traditional council will support any policy by the government to protect its subject from invaders.
