August 04, (THEWILL) – Governor Samuel Ortom has inaugurated the 500 personnel of Community Volunteer Guards, with a promise to approach the Federal Government to grant them licence to carry Ak47 and Ak49 Rifles to fight criminality in the state.
Performing the ceremony at the IBB Square, Makurdi, on Thursday, Governor Ortom alleged that the federal government’s neglect in protecting communities in the country led to the killing of over 5,000 people in Benue state.
“The Community Vigilante Guards (CVG), would have been unnecessary if the federal government lived up to its responsibility of protecting the lives of people of the state.”
According to him, over 1.5 million persons have been displaced by terrorist invaders, and victims are now taking refuge in open primary schools, and uncompleted buildings across Benue state.
He pointed out that on 24th August, 2018, terrorist attack led to the death of two Catholic priests and several worshipers during morning worship at Ayar Mbalom in Gwer East local government area.
Governor Ortom noted that the Community Volunteer Guards law was passed in 2000 during the administration of the then governor, George Akume, but was not implemented and has undergone amendment at the moment.
“With the take off of Community Volunteer Guards, I believe that there will be a reduction of terrorism, robbery and other crimes in the state.”
According to him, any personnel of Guards found to be involved in criminality will not only be sacked but will be prosecuted; advising them to work with conventional security agents in the course of duty.
The governor, who announced the commission of 30 vehicles, 200 motorcycles and other gadgets for their operations, assured of contentious support for them to deliver on their mandate, calling Benue people to volunteer information for the success of the assignment.
In his remarks, the Tor Tiv and chairman, Benue state council of traditional rulers, Prof. James Ayatse, commended governor Samuel Ortom, Benue State House of assembly, for the passage of the bill for the Community Volunteer Guards to take off in the state.
He pledged the traditional rulers’ support to the Guards and vouched for their characters, hoping that they will do the needful in the course of duty and call on regular security agents to partner for progress.
Earlier, the President Tiv Youth Organisation, Mr Timothy Hembaor, said Benue is not ready to surrender its land to invaders, and thanked Governor Samuel Ortom for his dogged fight against injustice and warned conspirators to stay away from the state or face the wrath of the youth.
