Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has launched a Joint Taskforce Operation code-named “Anyam Nyôr (the Tiger has arrived). He also inaugurated the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) and donated 100 Hilux vehicles, and 600 motorcycles to security agencies in the state.
Earlier this year, the State Assembly enacted a law, establishing the BSCPG, and a Bureau of Homeland Security, upon executive bill by the Benue State Executive Council.
Fr. Alia says security remains his top priority and he is resolute in his determination to safeguard lives and properties of the people in the state.
According to the Governor, Operation Anyam Nyôr is a comprehensive security collaboration that has never been seen in the history of Benue State and comprises personnel of the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Navy, Department of State Services, National Security and Civil Defence Corps, who will work together to deploy personnel across all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
The Governor explains that under Operation Anyam Nyôr, joint efforts will ensure that security concerns are addressed timely and decisively.
Operation Anyam Nyôr will lay the foundation for lasting peace and security in all our communities, says the governor, adding that “together, we will secure the future of our state and pave the way for an era of peace and prosperity.”
The Governor therefore, calls on outlaws, to take full advantage of the amnesty programme, which is being vigorously pursued by the State Amnesty Committee Chaired by Prof James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, CFR, Tor Tiv, and co-chairman, Most Rev Isaac Dugu, Bishop Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, to allow those involved in criminal activities to reintegrate.
“It’s important that individuals take advantage of it before full deployment of the joint task force,” the Governor cautions.
No fewer than seven LGAs in Benue State have experienced the pangs of vicious attacks from the armed wing of cattle owners and local militia. Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Kwande are the worst-hit local areas.
All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Umar Ganduje, says he is overwhelmed by the number of vehicles the governor has donated for security purposes. Motivated by the policy statement the governor made to secure Benue State as part of the Federation.
While congratulating the governor and the people of Benue State on the inauguration of a state security outfit, “to ensure peace and stability in the state,” the former Kano State Governor notes that effective security arrangement requires coordination and cooperation among security agencies.
