Insecurity: Were considering complementary security outfit – Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Monday expressed worry over the bleak security situation at the local communities which he said has prevented the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from going back to their ancestral homes.

This is even as the governor said his government is considering the advice by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to have legal alternative that will complement the security agencies in tackling insecurity.

Briefing newsmen after a meeting at Government House, Makurdi, between the state government officials and CSOs, Ortom said it was accepted at the meeting that there was need for adequate security before the IDPs return home.

He said the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWs), which is covering Benue and other states, was doing its best but that it is being overstretched and needed more men and equipment to fight.

“What we have agreed in this meeting is to look for alternative way that is legal that will complement with the security agency to help stamp out the menace. We are not going to fold our arms and we are going to move on.

“We have reviewed the security situation in the IDPs camps and we discovered that we cannot send them home because of the security situation in the affected communities.

“The main challenge is about security in those homes up till now; they are being attacked by the herdsmen.

“Everyday there are influx that we are trying to contain, but these people are armed to the teeth and in some, the security men had to withdraw.

“We are being attacked and we are under siege. As I am talking to you, many local governments have been invaded.

“The security men are trying but the invaders seem to have superior fire power and they need to step up.

“I think the Operation Whirl Stroke is completely over stretched and need more men. If equipment are provided, I think they will do better because they have the capacity to fight in the air, land and waters,” he stated.