Benue engaging bandits to rid state of criminals -gov

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Special Adviser to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security/Internal Affairs Joseph Har has expressed the desire of his boss to rid the State of criminals.
Har who said this while speaking with newsmen in his office on Tuesday, lamented over the banditry in Ukum local area of the State, averring that the Governor is committed to nip it in the bud.
He said already the Governor’s recent visit to the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja is yielding positive result as there is increased military presence in Makurdi, the State capital.
He explained that part of the strategy is to engage the bandits in kinetic and non kinetic as well as applying the stick and carrot approach.
Har also, stated that government is already engaging the bandits in trust and confidence building.
He noted that though the past approach was erroneous, the present administration is desirous and committed to get it right.
“My principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia is sincere, pasionate about human life as a priest. For the first time in the history of the country, a state has two(2) security advisers, one for security and Strategic liaision and the other on Security and Internal Affairs. We are talking to the bandits and asking them to calm down. I will refer you to the Gana era which was erroneously done. So, these bandits are having doubts but we have a Governor who is sincere and honest and willing to extend hands of fellowship to everyone.
“The fact that things were done wrongly yesterday, does not mean that things will be continually done wrongly. We are telling them to trust this government as well as security agencies, who are committed to a peaceful kinetic approach.”