Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has said the state government will launch its own local security outfit that will consist of ten thousand youths before the end of May.
He the outfit will complement the efforts of the other security agencies in tackling security challenges bedeviling the state.
Governor Alia stated this on Tuesday during the Stakeholders Meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, held at Government House, Makurdi.
He appreciated the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies in securing the country and the state.
Gov Alia said the launch of the State owned security outfit will aid in securing Benue communities, enabling farmers to access their farm lands without fear.
He said his administration is already working towards procuring Hilux vans and motorcycles that will be used by the security outfit to access the nooks and crannies of the state.
Gov Alia informed the stakeholders that some enemies of the state had gone to invite unknown gunmen to come into Benue and destabilize its peace, but that the government has been able to push the invaders back to where they came from.
He said his admnistrarion will continue to do so until they are all gone, to enable the farmers return to farm to ensure food security for the state.
Gov Alia further explained that some local government areas, such as Kwande, Ukum, Logo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Apa, Agatu, are still affected by the attacks, but that the state government will not rest on its oars until the state becomes much safer.
