From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue State, Denen Aondoakaa has decried the high level of attacks on the local populace by armed herders, maintaining that it has had a big toll on local government administration.
It was gathered that several local government areas in the State are under siege by these marauders leading to the death and displacement of many persons.
While condemning the wave of attacks during an interaction with newsmen in his office in Makurdi on Monday, the adviser said the ugly development has affected the councils as the chairmen cannot embark on meaningful projects which they had promised their people during electioneering campaigns.
He also, said the Governor is doing so much to secure the state by launching and distributing 60 patrol vehicles and 100 motorcycles to the local government areas particularly to those in the front lines.
According to him, the state government is doing enough to secure the state.
“The Governor procured vehicles and motorcycles, identified some frontline local governments and gave them additional vehicles and motorcycles.
“It is about the strategy to defend ourselves. We must take ownership of securing ourselves. We must brace up. It is not about trading blames. It is about mobilizing.
“The local government have their finances because the Governor has long before the Supreme Court Judgement, granted autonomy to them.
“These attackers have created fears in the people. There should be attitudinal change as well as change in our settlement patterns”, he stated.
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