Following renewed attacks on Benue communities by suspected militia herdsmen and the wanton destruction of lives and property, major stakeholders in the State have resolved to commence immediate implementation of the Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante) Law, which was enacted in the year 2000.
The resolution which was reached by the stakeholders at the Government house in Makurdi. They also mandated the State Government to recruit more personnel and support them with logistics as provided by the law to help contain attacks on Benue communities.
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According to the Governor, stakeholders resolved that Volunteer guards be recruited across all the Kindreds, Districts and Local Governments Areas of the state and be empowered to carry arms allowed by law for protection.
The meeting also reinforced the commitment of Benue people to the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017 as well as urged all stakeholders irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliations to join hands in tackling insecurity in the state.
A motion for the vote of confidence on the Governor was moved by leaders of the three main Socio-Cultural Organizations in Benue State; Mzough-U-Tiv, Ochetoha, K’Idoma and Omini ‘Igede.
Benue like other State’s in the country has been grappling with a worrisome level of insecurity making stakeholders take more drastic steps to contain the growing threat.
