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George Kajo, Makurdi
Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lauded the commissioning of Benue State Community Volunteer Guards by Governor Samuel Ortom as a step taken in defense of the universally recognised right of all humans to life
The party sees the step as inevitable where the national security architecture under the control of the federal government has proven inadequate to guarantee protection of lives and properties of citizens in the state from marauding terrorists and other criminals.
“It is the understanding of the party that under provisions of the Benue State Vigilante Law (As Amended) the first batch of 500 volunteer guards are commissioned having been professionally trained to bear legally approved weapons and act to complement the conventional security agencies in the state to address emerging security issues”.
“Majorly, the tide of wanton killings of peasant farmers and displacement of others from their lands by armed terrorist Fulani herdsmen”.
In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, the Benue PDP said, it shares in the governor’s burden over the sad reality of over 5000 men, women and children so far killed in the state and over 2 million persons displaced from their homes and now living in IDP camps owing to activities of the herdsmen whose campaign of terror, has spread across Nigeria.
“Benue State specifically targeted because of this administration’s insistence on the rule of law rather than the rule of terror, and for always standing with his people in their refusal to surrender their land, identity and Judeo-Christian faith and values to the Islamization agenda.”
The statement pointed out that the operations of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards would be strictly guided by the enabling law, and any personnel found operating outside it would be shown the way out, and as PDP, we are consistent with our mandate to uphold the rule of law in the preservation of the sanctity of human life.
“PDP in Benue State appreciates the State Assembly, the traditional leadership institution, security agencies and various stakeholders for working with the governor to bring into being the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards”.
President General of Benue Sociocultural Organizations, Comptroller General of Nigeria Prisons Service, Mr Iorbee Ihyagh retired, commended the stakeholders for their contributions that led to the passage of law and inauguration of the state security outfit.
He pledged continuous support to the Community Volunteer Guards to succeed in it assignment; while the Tor Tiv, Prof Iorzua Atatse on behalf of Benue state council of chiefs also drums support to the scheme to succeed.
It will be recall that governor Samuel Ortom said 500 officers has been enlisted in the first batch with 30 vehicles, kits and motorcycles have been given for smooth take off of the scheme.
Governor Ortom warned the officers against operating outside the lay down guidelines which he said will attract severe sanctions.