From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Not fewer than nine members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard (BSCVG) were killed in active service within the state.
State Commander of BSCVG Capt. Ayuma Ajobi (rtd) disclosed this on Friday during the commissioning of its headquarters located within Benue Government House.
Ajobi explained that of the 9 deceased members, 8 were killed in active service at their various duty locations while the one died after a brief illness.
He explained that following the development, the total strength of the Guard has been reduced to 1,565 trained personnel.
He decried that the state is currently facing a multifaceted insecurity situation ranging from banditry, kidnappings for ransom, and recurring cycles of deadly violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen on indigenous farmers in their ancestral homes which has left more than one million people homeless and many thousands are now taking refuge in IDP camps scattered across the State.
Ajobi also, observed that the wide scale destruction of lives and property by the activities of expansionists terrorists has almost inhibited sustainable development in the State, stating that this necessitated the State Government to fully enforce the law that provides for the establishment of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards law enacted in 2000 (amended)and accented to by Samuel Ortom’s administration on 26 Oct 2021.
The Commander said 1,574 persons drawn from the pool of those who were recommended by the traditional rulers at the grassroots, profiled by the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services, underwent rigorous medical screening exercise.
“The benefits recorded since the establishment of the BSCVG in the State are numerous. It is on record today that the general crime rate in the state and especially in Makurdi metropolis has reduced drastically.
“The outfit’s trained personnel now operate confidently and conduct themselves more professionally. The general conduct and professionalism of BSCVG personnel has attracted positive and high commendations and appreciation from other conventional security agencies and a majority of Benue state citizens”, the Commander said.
