...Donates 100 Hilux vans, 600 motorcycles for security
The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has launched Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).
Speaking during the official launch of the security outfit code named “Anyam Nyôr” as well as the donation of 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 Special Combatant Motorcycles to security agencies in Benue State at IBB Square Makurdi, on Saturday, the Governor assured that his administration will do everything possible to ensure the safety of every Benue resident.
According to Alia, “As the Governor of Benue State, I am aware of my duty to protect the lives and property of our people. My total commitment to ensuring the safety of every Benue resident is firm, as security remains my top priority. We cannot build a prosperous state upon insecurity. I am resolute in my determination to safeguard our people and to create an environment where they can flourish.”
He said the move to establish the BSCPG and the donation of security vehicles was a demonstration of his deep commitment to the security and well-being of the people of the state, and also in fulfilment of the earlier promise he made some time ago that the State government will recruit ten thousand youths to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatuses in safeguarding the state and its people.
He described the BSCPG as a security outfit established by law, with the goal to decisively combat criminality and create an environment where the people can live without fear.
“The formal launch of the 5000 gallant officers of the BSCPG, the donation of vehicles and special combatant motorcycles, as well as the unveiling of the Operation “Anyam Nyôr” 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 assured.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the state, his colleagues and fellow governors and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their cooperation and encouragement in their shared commitment to national security, as well as the state security team led by Air Commodre Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd), Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Mr. Joseph Har for their dedication which he noted have made the initiative a reality.
The Governor equally appreciated the Service Chiefs, especially the Inspector General of Police for recently donating two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Benue State Police Command; the Benue State Traditional Council, led by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Ochi Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, as well as the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, for his dedication to peace-building in Benue.
While thanking the 5000 youths for responding to the call of service to serve as gallant officers of the BSCPG, the Governor charged them to imbibe the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties, as they have been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the safety and security of Benue communities.
He further called on the people to take full advantage of the Amnesty Programme, which is being vigorously pursued by the State Amnesty Committee, chaired by the Tor Tiv and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese.
In their various remarks, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje; the Chairman, Nothern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations, NPF Headquarters, Abuja, Ari Muhammed Ali, all commended the Governor for his efforts in tackling the security challenges being face by the state and assured him of their continuous support.
Also speaking on behalf of the Benue State Traditional Council, the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof James Ayatse while assuring the Governor of their total support however cautioned Benue people against using the BSCPG for political purposes even as he enjoined personnel of the BSCPG to imbibe discipline and hard work in order to achieve the purpose for which it was established.
The event was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Salifu Joel Oyibo as well as the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo among other dignitaries.
