The Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, President of the Benue State Traditional Council, has issued a firm warning to politicians, urging them not to exploit the newly inaugurated Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) for political agendas.
Launched in a grand ceremony at the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) Square, Makurdi, the BSCPG marked its debut with the recruitment of 5,000 personnel.
To enhance their operational capacity, 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 motorcycles were commissioned, underscoring the state’s commitment to strengthening security and fostering peace.
In his address, the Tor Tiv emphasized the apolitical mandate of the BSCPG, describing it as a force designed to protect the people of Benue and restore stability across the state.
He implored political actors to resist the temptation of using the guards for partisan interests, which could undermine their critical role in resolving insecurity and promoting unity among the state’s diverse communities.
The revered traditional leader lauded Governor Hyacinth Alia’s innovative approach to tackling Benue’s security challenges, commending the governor for positioning the state as a trailblazer in public safety initiatives.
Governor Alia, in turn, reaffirmed his dedication to securing the state, reiterating his pledge to recruit 10,000 personnel for the BSCPG.
He expressed confidence that this strategic move would significantly reduce crime and create an environment conducive to economic progress.
Adding to the discourse, the National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, encouraged Benue to harness the federal government’s Livestock Development Ministry to address the long-standing herders-farmers conflict a key issue threatening peace in the region.
With the launch of the BSCPG, Benue State takes a bold step forward, blending tradition, governance, and innovation in its pursuit of lasting peace and security.