Ortom promises to assist families of security men who died keeping peace in Benue

GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue state has promised to assist the families of security personnel who lost their lives while keeping peace in the state.

Ortom said that the gesture was a token of appreciation for their services.

Recalled that two operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps were killed by herdsmen in Guma local government area of the state in March, this year.

The governor made the promise yesterday when he received the Assistant Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Charge of Zone H, Mr. Lugard Osemwegie at Benue People’s House, Makurdi.

He described NSCDC personnel as dedicated and committed patriots who have worked hard to ensure the security of lives and property in the state.

Governor Ortom said the synergy and cooperation of the state government with the Security agencies have boosted the enforcement of the open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law and ensured that the state was not overrun by herdsmen militia.

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He said about 30 persons have been convicted while 400 are standing trial for violating the ranches law.

The Governor maintained that the law which was promulgated to end frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers would be fully implemented no matter the level of opposition against it by the herdsmen.

Earlier, the Assistant Commandant General, Mr Osemwegie commended Governor Ortom for his steadfastness and firmness in enacting and enforcing the anti-open grazing law.

He stated that the Governor’s handling of the security challenges was leading to restoration of normalcy and requested assistance to secure a suitable accommodation that could contain an armoury as well as vehicles.