By Adadainfo
Be ready to protect Benue communities against external invaders, Benue State governor Dr Samuel Ortom told the second batch of trainees of the state Community Volunteer Guards Sunday.
He stated this when he visited the training camp of the guards at the military shooting range, near Ikpayongo, Gwer East Local Government Area. He was accompanied by Senator Gabriel Suswan, representing Benue North-East in the National Assembly.
He commended their commitment towards the security of the state, and urged them not to abuse their training and weapons.
He told them that their recruitment, training and eventual inauguration were properly backed by a law that was enacted by previous administrations, adding that hús administration ‘only amended the law to make it more effective in line with present challenges”.
Governor Ortom said due to the rising insecurity in the country, the nineteen northern hovernors recently met and resolved to advocate for the establishment of state police. He once it was approved, the Volunteer Guards would be the first to be recruited in Benue State.
Senator Suswam urged the volunteers to abide by their rules of engagement, adding that their good conduct would convince people that ‘seem to have misgivings about the establishment of the security formation’.
He commended Governor Ortom for setting up a security outfit to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies to protect the lives and property of Benue people.
