By Daniel Agbo
Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state yesterday said he had secured 18 pick-up trucks and 100 motorcycles, for Livestock Special Task Force and Community Volunteer Guards to boost the fight against crime in the state.
The governor, who made the announcement during a joint meeting with the two groups, said the vehicles “will be presented on Monday, next week, to enhance their operations.
According to him, the vehicles will enable both groups to be equipped to support conventional security apparatus of state in providing security for lives and property.
He said a workshop would also be organised for them to build the capacity of members with the requisite security knowledge and skills to discharge their responsibilities efficiently.
While advising them to operate within the ambit of the law, he charged livestock guards to ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, stressing that all categories of livestock must be ranched.
The governor appealed to them to also assist in curbing other forms of criminality including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and assassinations.
He said there were a lot of investors willing to invest in the state, but would only do so in a peaceful atmosphere, stressing that with a secured state, there would be enough for everybody.
Responding, on behalf of members, the state Commander of Livestock Guards, Alhaji Aliyu Tashaku and his Community Volunteer Guards counterpart, Mr. George Mbessey, assured of their commitment and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
