By Joseph Albert (Umunna TV)
Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has issued a one month ultimatum to the federal government of Nigeria to approve the use of AK 47 rifles for the state community volunteer guards.
Sources said the Governor gave the ultimatum in his speech while observing the passing out parade of newly recruited security guards, which he described as a unit created to complement the efforts of the grossly inadequate officers and men of Nigerian security agencies.
The statement reads in part:
“I look forward to the federal government for approval of AK 47 rifles for the community volunteer guards, although I have written a request for that since 3 months ago. If by the next one month nothing is done in that regards, I will revert to the people of Benue State for advice and will certainly do whatever you decide.
“I don’t know about other places but the conventional security men that have been posted here in Benue State have done their best. Some of them have even sacrificed their lives and their families are suffering. They have paid the supreme price.
“It is on record that from 2017 to date, over 120 officers and men of the Nigerian Army, the Police, Civil defence and DSS have been killed right here in Benue State by terrorist Fulani herdsmen.
“That is why we decided that the Community Volunteer Guards should complement what they are doing. You can’t blame them because they are grossly inadequate. We don’t have enough security personnel in the state.
“That is the challenge, but I believe that with the coming of the Volunteer Guards, we shall complement their efforts and either stop the killings completely or reduce it considerably.
“The state governments are currently working with the federal government of Nigeria towards moving community policing to state police. When this becomes reality, we shall give the current community volunteer guards the preemptive rights to join the state police.
“That is the first right of refusal all of you in community volunteer guards today. If by the grace of God we get the right by law, we shall make you have the first right of refusal.
“At this juncture I appreciate the strong will of the security agencies towards fighting the menace of Boko Haram, banditry, ISWAP, the merciless killing of our farmers by marauding Fulani terrorist herdsmen which has become a security threat of unknown magnitude in the history of our dear nation.
“I urge all the security agencies comprising of the Army, Police, Civil defence, Navy, DSS and other paramilitary agencies in the state to remain resolute and committed to the oath to defend our dear country Nigeria.
“Furthermore, I implore the traditional rulers, religious leaders of thought to all stand for the oneness and continuity of our dear nation. Finally, with those in prayers the victory of righteous path over evil is certain. In God we trust.”
Meanwhile, over five motorcycles and surveillance trucks has been purchased by the Governor and presented to the relevant authority to facilitate the enormous tasks before the Benue State Volunteer Guards as he observed the passing out parade of the local vigilante group in Makurdi.
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