Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom has threatened to purchase firearms for the states security network.
The governor’s decision is based on the cruel killings and kidnappings in the state.
Ortom said his administration will procure AK-47 rifles for the Benue State Volunteer Community Guards.
Ortom, who spoke at the passing-out parade of the second batch of the State Volunteer Community Guards in Makurdi, said he already applied to the Federal Government for approval to procure automatic weapons.
He however, lamented that the government was yet to respond to the application.
Ortom also gave a one-month ultimatum to the government to respond to the application.
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“If there is no reply in the next one month, I will revert to my people to advise on what to do because the Federal Government is complicit on the issue of herders’ attacks on the state.”
He said the establishment of volunteer community guards who were in response to the wanton killings and kidnappings in the state, was to complement the formal security operatives.
Moreso, Ortom said state governments were working with the Federal Government towards transitioning from community policing to state police.
He added that when it materialised, personnel of the State Volunteer Community Guards would automatically be moved to join the state police.
The governor further instructed the guards to work strictly according to the law and to remain apolitical, conscientious, courteous, vigilant, and strong.
Ortom promised to recruit 10,000 personnel into the State Volunteer Community Guards before he exits office in 2023, adding that 1,500 guard have already been recruited, with 500 trained and passed out in August this year.
Meanwhile, the recently launched batch include 1,000 personnel.
