Insecurity: Benue gov allocates N93bn for digital security

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The Benue State Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Sam Ode, announced on Tuesday that his administration has deployed a N93 billion bond towards enhancing digital security, infrastructure, and devices to address insecurity challenges in the state.

The announcement was made at the First Benue State Digital Security Town Hall meeting held in Makurdi, organised by the Office of the Special Advisers on Security in collaboration with the Ministry of Information.

Governor Alia noted that the initiative is expected to generate N190 billion for the state over the next decade. The state has established the Benue Digital Infrastructure Council as part of its efforts to digitise governance and manage security more effectively.

He emphasised that the state government is revamping the security architecture, which was previously inadequate, and is committed to improving the situation.

“We are changing the security architecture of the state. Insecurity is an emergency that we are working to combat. The government is serious about the security of lives and property,” said Alia.

He added, “Records indicate that the security situation in the state is improving. The government worldwide engages with communities as part of a kinetic effort to curb criminality.

“We need the cooperation of citizens and the dissemination of information to security agencies to fight insecurity.”

The governor highlighted that the state is partnering with leading international organisations to enhance security through ICT.

“The Benue government has guaranteed the bond of N93 billion to digitalize infrastructure in the state. This will expose the state to the world and help block all leakages in government.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, emphasised that the aim of the Town Hall meeting was to enhance synergy between conventional and non-conventional security agencies and civilians. He stressed the importance of alignment among all parties to effectively combat insecurity in the state.

“We decided to convene this Town Hall meeting to ensure that security agencies and civilians are on the same page. There must be solid synergy between these groups to address the common enemy—insecurity,” Har said.

He critiqued the current state of law enforcement, stating that agencies should adopt a more collaborative and respectful approach.

“Law enforcement agencies should be highly professional and adopt the ‘duck-fowl feather’ approach, avoiding unnecessary superiority, harassment, and intimidation of civilians,” Har explained.

Har also pointed out the potential consequences of removing security agencies from the streets, noting, “If you take security agencies off the street for two hours, there will be total chaos.

“Civilians sometimes undermine security agencies, while law enforcement agencies intimidate civilians. There needs to be partnership and mutual respect between both groups.”

Lt. Col. Alex Igbaya (rtd), Special Adviser on External Security and Liaison, attributed the high crime rates in the state to the illicit consumption of drugs, particularly by youths in the Ukum Local Government Area.

He noted that Benue State is enjoying peace due to measures put in place by the governor as well as the untiring efforts of security agencies, which are working hard to ensure residents sleep with their eyes closed.

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