More than 5,000 persons have been killed in Benue State since the terrorist attacks began in 2011, Governor Samuel Ortom said yesterday.
Ortom spoke during the passing out of the first batch of 500 personnel of the state Community Volunteer Guards at the IBB Square in Makurdi.
He noted that the worsening insecurity in the country had complicated the state’s security situation, ‘as other forms of criminality have started creeping in due to the Federal Government’s refusal to decisively address insecurity’.
Governor Ortom said the Federal Government’s failure forced the state to revisit the Benue State Vigilante Law of 2000, which was enacted to complement the conventional security agencies to address emerging security issues.
He explained that the law had to be amended to pave the way for the Community Volunteer Guards, to assist the conventional security agencies to curb insecurity.
Ortom said: “By the provisions of the new law, the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards can therefore carry legally approved weapons which we have duly provided.
“The Benue State Community Volunteer Guards represent our modest attempt to support our communities in their daily struggle to escape the worst of the atrocities of the terrorist herdsmen. As we all witness the passing-out parade of these able-bodied young men, we believe that security will improve in Benue State.”
Earlier, Special Adviser to the governor on Security, Lt.-Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) said the first batch of 500 personnel of the Community Volunteer Guards have been trained as riot squad, unarmed combat squad and intelligence gathering to work with conventional security agencies at the grassroots to curb insecurity. He urged them to be professional in the discharge of their duties.
The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, in his goodwill message, hailed the House of Assembly for enacting the enabling law, and pledged support of the traditional institution to the security outfit.