Benue govt commences grassroot campaign against cultism, extortion, violence

Benue State government has commenced grassroot sensitisation and awareness campaign against cultism, extortion known as 'marching ground' and violence in the state. 

Leading the camp round Makurdi town Friday, the Security Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs Mr. Joseph Har, accompanied by personnel of the State Security teams, including the Community Volunteer Guards, Livestock Guards, Vigilante Group and the Hunters and Forest Security Services called for an end to all form social vices in the state. 

Addressing the people at the various communities, the Security Adviser said that the sensitization was a carrot approach of the state government. 

He said "the security of lives and property is paramount to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia that is why we are appealing to youths to shun any act of violence so as to attract investors to the state. 

"We all know that Governor Alia is a peaceful man who is concerned about the growth of the state but the peaceful approach of Governor is not a sign weakness because the law will take its course when the law is broken." 

The Adviser who appointed out that that government had the support of the traditional rulers in Makurdi to check the menace, urged parents to warn their wards and children to refrain from all forms of social vices in the state. 

Addressing the entourage, the traditional ruler of Makurdi, Ter Makurdi, HRH  Vincent  Ahule represented by Chief Pius To, District Head of Iukyondu I-Sha described those involved in 'marching ground' around the town as disgrace to the indigenous people of Makurdi. 

The royal father said, "we are happy with your initiative and whole heartedly welcome it. Those carrying out this acts are disgracing us. 

"The Ter Makurdi has before now warned his subjects against this act. We are solidly behind you. A new broom usually sweeps very clean. We need peace in Makurdi so that other places in the state can also enjoy peace. 

"Our Makurdi was not like this before and we are not happy with what is happening now. The cult related activities are much and against our believes. We believe that with this project, Makurdi will enjoy peace again."