Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced plans to establish a state-owned security outfit comprising 10,000 youths by the end of May.
This initiative aims to supplement the efforts of existing security agencies in tackling the state’s security challenges.
The governor made this declaration during a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Makurdi, where he also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and security agencies in maintaining national and state security.
The new security outfit is intended to enhance security in Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farms without fear. The state government is already working on procuring vehicles and motorcycles for the outfit to reach remote areas.
Additionally, Governor Alia revealed that his administration has successfully repelled attempts by some individuals to destabilize the state’s peace by inviting unknown gunmen.
He said his admnistrarion will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.
Gov Alia further explained that some local government areas, such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, are still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.