…Says “attacks won’t make us repeal the anti-grazing law”
Governor Samuel Ortom has spoken of plans by his government to recruit more indigenes to boost the state Volunteer Guards in it’s bid to defend his state against herdsmen attacks.
He added that the violent attacks against residents of Benue state won’t make his administration repeal the anti-grazing law.
Ortom who spoke during a media parley, disclosed that his government is in the process of recruiting responsible people of 50 years and below into the Volunteer Guards.
Insisting that they’ve cried enough, the Governor added that the duty of the Volunteer Guards is to support the conventional security agencies in defending their communities.
He said;
“A few weeks ago, Benue stakeholders met and gave this administration the mandate to activate and implement the Community Volunteer Guards Law enacted in 2000.
“We have already commenced the process of recruiting responsible people of 50 years and below into the Volunteer Guards.
“Their duty is to support the conventional security agencies in defending their communities. We have cried enough. We will cry no more. Now is time for action.
“Let me remind those who think that sustained attacks on the Benue people will force us to repeal the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law that they are making a mistake.
“This law has come to stay and no amount of intimidation can make us repeal it. Instead, we will soon amend the law in order to increase the penalties against offenders.”
