By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia 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.”
Governor Alia who officially inaugurated BSCPG at IBB square in Makurdi also donated 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 Special Combatant motorcycles to security agencies in the state.
The Governor while performing the ceremony on Saturday informed that the BSCPG was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatus in the state by synergising and comparing notes on security challenges and adopting global best practices in tackling them.
Alia who stressed the importance of security to the growth and development of the state noted with emphasis that given the understanding, and pursuit of collective vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and industrialized Benue State, the state has made strategic investments aimed at fortifying the capacity of the security agencies.
While insisting that the goal was to fight criminality and create an environment where people could operate without fear.
He explained that “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.
Speaking further, Governor informed that “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.”
He appreciated 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.
In us remarks the Chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council and Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse who appreciated the Governor for the initiative noted with confidence that he was for the first time seeing a huge investment in equipping security agencies in the state.
Tor Tiv disclosed that Governor Alia has prioritised security, assuring that the Governor has the full backing of the Benue State Traditional Council.
The paramount ruler further assured that “We will work closely with the guards and together we will ensure that we contain the challenges of insecurity in our communities.”
He cautioned that the guards should be used for civil protection and not for political purposes.
In his comment the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya while appreciating the Benue State Governor for taking proactive steps to tackle security challenges in the state also called on the people of the state to rally round the Governor to enable him do more for the state.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Umar Ganduje congratulated the state government for establishing the guards adding that the coming of the guards would ensure security in the state even as it would help in addressing the farmers/herders conflict in the state.
