Benue to launch own security outfit before end of May, says Alia

Hyacinth Alia, Benue governor, says the state government will launch its own security outfit that will consist of 10,000 youths, before the end of May 2024. 

The governor said this will complement the efforts of other agencies in tackling security challenges bedevilling the state.

In a statement, Tersoo Kula, chief press secretary to the Benue governor, said Alia stated this on Tuesday during the stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at government house, Makurdi.

The governor appreciated the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state, adding that the security outfit will enable farmers access their farm lands without fear.

He said his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.

Alia said the stakeholders meeting became necessary to enable him brief members of the party on the plans the government has in place to tackle the security challenge.

He added that the government had written to the commissioner of police (CP), intimating him of the necessity and urgency of the meeting.

He said the CP gave the go ahead for the meeting before it was convened.

Alia told the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had invited unknown gunmen into Benue to destabilise its peace, but that the government has been able to push the invaders back to where they came from, and will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.

He explained that some LGAs 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 safer.