From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue state government has warned youths in the state to desist from engaging themselves in social vices such cultism, extortion and violence saying such acts will no longer be tolerated going forward.
The youths in Benue state has over the years engaged acts of cultism and forceful extortion from developers, shop owners and others which is called “marching ground” in local parlance.
The Special Adviser to the state Governor Hyacinth Alia 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 sensitize 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.
Leading the team, Har said that the sensitization was part of the carrot approach, a security measure of the state government to sensitize the youths and get them to abandon their old ways and turn a new leaf.
Har noted that security of lives and property was paramount to the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia and appealed to youths to shun any act of violence so as to attract investors to the state.
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 governor was not a weakness.
“God your creator is against cultism. In the Bible all violence is considered an offense against God and humanity. The scripture is full of condemnation of violence is associated with wickedness and condemned as detestable to the Lord.”
He admonished the youth to “say not to cultism and violence. It kills, destroys your future and make you irresponsible. Discreetly report all criminal violent activities around you. Be your brother’s keeper, ” he said
Har who said that government had the support of the traditional rulers in Makurdi urged parents and guardians to warn their wards and children to refrain from any acts of violence.
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 ground 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 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 it is against our beliefs. We believe that with this project, Makurdi and the entire state will enjoy peace,” he said.
Also speaking, the state youth leader, Cephas Adom and the youth leader of MINDA, Terver Gbenda, commended the Security Adviser for the initiative saying the awareness campaign is timely and was necessary to ensure peace and order and to also bring back developers and business people back to the state.