By Adadainfo
Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called on the federal government to ensure proper funding of security agencies for the protection of lives and property in the country.
Governor Ortom stated this Friday while partaking in the Nigerian Air Force range shooting classification exercise at the military range, Ayati, near Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area.
He said security of lives and property is the paramount thing that any responsible government will accord priority, adding that without security, there would be no peace or socio-economic development.
He said, “Capacity building, manpower, training, funding and providing equipment for security agencies should be considered very key.
“If we can suspend every other thing and concentrate on restoring security in our country, I believe that we will gain more than allowing insecurity to consume us. No reason should be given for inadequacy of funding.
“If the funding will require all the three tiers of government to collaborate as we have done so before by jointly providing 1bn dollars for the procurement of weapons, which has not been accounted for, they should let us know.”
Ortom said the manpower of the security agencies is grossly inadequate, and called on the federal government to give serious attention to recruiting more security personnel ‘so that they will be enough to handle any form of security challenges’.
The governor also acknowledged the sacrifices the security agencies are making in securing the state noting that, “I am aware that from the year 2017 to date, more than 120 security men and women have paid the supreme prize, but I am happy you are not discouraged.”
He commended the security agencies for their efforts, and charged Benue people to continue to support the security agencies in the discharge of their duties rather than being hostile to them.
