As part of measures to step up the level of security in the state, stakeholders drawn from Benue North East and West Senatorial Districts have endorsed the formation of committees at the kindred, ward and district levels to assist security agencies in guaranteeing the safety of lives and property.
The stakeholders who met Monday at Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, commended the proactive steps taken by Governor Samuel Ortom in fighting crime.
They stated that the security committees would fast-track intelligence gathering at the grassroots where most of those who perpetrate crimes and cause crises among the people reside.
Gov. Samuel Ortom, while briefing journalists shortly after the meeting, directed immediate revival of monthly security meetings at the local government level to support the police and other security operatives with timely and useful information.
Ortom announced the suspension of five traditional rulers comprising two district heads and three kindred heads for alleged complicity in land related disputes in their domains.
District Head of Uvir Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, James Abu, who was among those suspended, was immediately handed over to the Police for further investigation.
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Others suspended were the District Head of Ikov, Samuel Iorhule, Kindred head of Shilagh, Joseph Yar, Kindred head of Uninge, Aanger Ortese and Samuel Ayayo who is the Kindred head of Unyande.
The Governor stated that leaders, irrespective of political affiliation, had resolved to unite against land disputes and other forms of crises, saying they had resolved to also provide the desired leadership direction for the people.
Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, Senators representing Benue North West and Benue North East Senatorial Districts, Gabriel Suswam and Orker Jev respectively, as well as former Senate President, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu and Senator Barnabas Gemade were part of the meeting.
Recall that Benue state has, recently, been bedeviled by series of crises ranging from invasions and Killings by armed men suspected to be herdsmen, kidnappings, armed robbery, cultism as well as communal clashes over land and other economic concerns.
The unity formed at the meeting is expected to put machineries in place to provide a formidable front to nip all the crises in the bud.
