Stakeholders in Benue state Thursday urged the Benue state government to fully enforce the law that provide for the Establishment of Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante), enacted in the year 2000, in order to tackle the security challenges in the state.
In a communique issued after the security stakeholders meeting at the Government House, Makurdi, the stakeholders resolved that the renewed attacks on the people by armed herdsmen have overstretched security agencies in the state, hence the need to strengthen the vigilante group.
The stakeholders mandated the state government to support the vigilante with logistics as provided in the law and carry out recruitment for the vigilante in the 23 local government areas of the state.
The meeting also reinforced the commitment of Benue people to the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.
“The meeting emphasised the need for all stakeholders to join hands in tackling insecurity in Benue state devoid of political, religious and ethnic sentiments.
“The meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor for his efforts in providing security in the state.
“The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by leaders of the three main socio-cultural organisations in Benue state; Mzough-U-Tiv, Ochetoha, K’Idoma and Ominy‘Igede.
“The stakeholder’s meeting appreciates security agencies for their efforts in ensuring relative peace in parts of the state.
“The meeting considers the fact that in the face of banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks and other crimes the security agencies have done well,” the communiqué reads in part.
