From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Benue state chapter, has stressed the need to initiate a Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) to support local communities’ wade-off invaders and to keep
peace in their domains.
Chairman of the Association, Mr. Kester Kyenge, who made the suggestion at the weekend, during a briefing at the NUJ House, Makurdi, also called for the restriction the activities of cattle rustlers well as their patrons.
He said the JTF, if set up, must be designed in the context of a Joint Fulani-Hausa, Tiv-Idoma ethno-religious Summit to enhance dialogue, so as to resolve the on-going crises, adding that it should also implement the peace initiatives.
Kyenge further urged the Federal Government to make more efforts in strengthening security infrastructure in the state with greater emphasis on local policing and neighborhood security.
“Instead of relying more on conventional style of government security apparatus, the down-up, people – based approach from ward, local, state and federal level should be emphasised”, he advocated.
“We agree, as a body, that there is no alternative to peace. Therefore, we call on the Federal Government to quickly stem the crises before the unfortunate situation in Benue state degenerates into an ethno-religious conflagration with the potential to engulf the entire nation”, Kyenge noted.
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