Gov Alia inaugurates Benue State Civil Protection Guards

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated a new security outfit to collaborate with other security agencies to end violent crimes across the state.

He assured the people of the state that his administration would prioritise the safety of every Benue resident and create an environment where everyone can flourish.

Governor Alia gave this assurance at the IBB Square, Makurdi, on Saturday during the official launch of the 5,000 gallant officers of the new Benue State Civil Protection Guards, BSCPG, code-named ‘Anyam Nyor.’ The event also featured the donation of 100 Hilux vehicles and 600 special combat motorcycles to security agencies in Benue State.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula.

“As the Governor of Benue State, I am aware of my duty to protect the lives and property of our people. My total commitment to ensuring the safety of every Benue resident is firm, as security remains my top priority. We cannot build a prosperous state upon insecurity. I am resolute in my determination to safeguard our people and create an environment where they can flourish,” the governor stated.

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Governor Alia noted that the establishment of the BSCPG and the donation of security vehicles were a demonstration of his deep commitment to the security and well-being of the people of the state. He emphasised that this was also a fulfilment of an earlier promise to recruit 10,000 youths to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatuses in safeguarding the state and its people.

He described the BSCPG as a security outfit established by law, with the goal of decisively combating criminality and creating an environment where the people of Benue State can live, farm, work, and thrive without fear.

“The formal launch of the 5,000 gallant officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the donation of vehicles and special combat motorcycles, as well as the unveiling of the Operation ‘Anyam Nyor’ Joint Security Task Force, represent a decisive step forward in ensuring the safety and security of our people.

“It is my firm belief that with these initiatives, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding lives and property but also sending a clear message that the fight against insecurity in Benue State is already being won,” he added.

Governor Alia expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support of the state. He also appreciated his colleagues, fellow governors, and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for their cooperation and encouragement in the shared commitment to national security. The Governor further thanked the state security team, led by Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd) and the Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Mr. Joseph Har, for their leadership and dedication, which he said made the initiative a reality.

He extended his appreciation to the service chiefs, particularly the Inspector General of Police, for the recent donation of two armoured personnel carriers, APCs, to the Benue State Police Command. Additionally, he commended the Benue State Traditional Council, led by the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Orchivirigh Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, and the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Chief John Elaigwu Odogbo, as well as the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, for their dedication to peacebuilding in Benue.

The governor also thanked the 5,000 youths for responding to the call to serve as gallant officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards. He charged them to embody the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties, as they have been entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the safety and security of Benue communities.

While calling on the people to take full advantage of the Amnesty Programme, which is being vigorously pursued by the State Amnesty Committee chaired by the Tor Tiv and the Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala Diocese, the Governor reminded the people of the state that the time for elections was over. He stressed that it was now time to deliver good governance.

Governor Alia called on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Benue to come together and support his administration in moving the state forward.