From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Government has warned youths in the state to desist from engaging themselves in social vices, such as cultism, extortion and violence, stressing that such acts will no longer be tolerated going forward.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, PSP, on Friday, led a combined joint security forces of Benue State security outfits on a show of force round Makurdi metropolis to sensitise the people against violence, cultism and extortion.
The security outfits, comprising the State Community Volunteer Guards, Livestock Guards, Vigilante Group and Hunter and Forest Security Security Services of Nigeria, as well as state and MINDA youth leaders, who went round the capital city, visited Modern Market, Wadata Market, North Bank Market, North Bank motor park, SRS junction in North Bank, Lafia garage at Wurukum, Gyado villa, among other parts of the metropolis.
Har said that the sensitisation was part of the carrot approach, a security measure of the state government to sensitise the youths and get them to abandon their old ways and turn a new leaf.
Har said: “The state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, is a peaceful man who is concerned about the growth of the state,” adding that the peace approach of the governor was not a weakness.
Speaking earlier, the traditional ruler of Makurdi, Ter Makurdi, HRH Vincent Aule, represented by Chief Pius To, District Head of Iukyondu I-Sha, described those engaging in “marching around” the town as disgrace to the capital city.
He said: “We are happy with your initiative, and we wholeheartedly welcome it. Those carrying out these acts are disgracing us. Our Makurdi was not like this before, and we are not happy with what is happening now.”
Also speaking, the state youth leader, Cephas Adom, and the youth leader of MINDA, Terver Gbenda, commended the Security Adviser for the initiative.