From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi
As part of steps to curb insecurity challenges in the State, Benue State Government has hosted stakeholders to a town hall meeting pledging to deploy N93 billion bond to boost Digital security infrastructure and devices.
Governor Hyacinth Alia who disclosed this at the First Benue State Digital Security Town Hall Meeting organized by office of his Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs in conjunction with state Ministry of Information on Tuesday in Makurdi, said the project is expected to raise 190 billion for the state in the next 10 years.
Represented by his Deputy Barr. Samuel Ode, the Governor said the State has established the Benue Digital Infrastructure Council as part of efforts to digitalized governance and manage security of the State.
He said government is already changing the security architect of the State which hitherto, was in a bad shape, noting that records indicate that the security situation in the State is better now.
Said he, “We are changing the security architect of the State. Insecurity is an emergency that we are working to combat. Government attaches seriousness to security of lives and property.
“Records already indicate that the security situation in the State is better than before. Government world over engage with communities which is a kinetic effort to curb criminality. Government require cooperation of citizens as well as dissemination of information to security agencies to fight insecurity.
“We have decided to embark on digitalized governance in managing our security. We are in partnership with best international organizations to ensure security of the State through ICT.
“The town Hall meeting should be a quarterly event so to continually engage those who are supposed to be in the frontline in managing our security. There is need to train keke riders, okada riders, scrap managers also known as Iron Condemn in managing information”.
Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har PSP, explained that the aim of the Town Hall meeting is to enhance synergy between conventional, non conventional security agencies and civilians.
He said there was need for them to be on the same page to stem the tide of insecurity in the State,maintaining that most times, security agencies unnecessarily harass and intimidate civilians while the latter undermine the former.
“We decided to convoke this TownHall so as to bring security agencies and civilians to be on one page. No solid synergy between security agencies and the people who should be on the same page against the common enemy which is insecurity.
“Law enforcement agencies should be highly professional. They must adopt the duck fowl feather approach. Law enforcement agencies usually show superiority to the civilians, harass and intimidate them. If you take security agencies off the street for two hours, there will be total chaos. Civilians undermine security agencies while the law enforcement agencies intimidate civilians. There should be partnership and appreciation between civilians and security agencies”, Har said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser, External Security and Liaison, Lt. Col. Alex Igbaya rtd blamed illicit consumption of drugs by the youths especially in Ukum local government for the high spate of crime in the State.
He noted that Benue State is enjoying peace due to measures put in place by the governor as well as untiring efforts of security agencies who are working hard to ensure residents sleep with two eyes closed.
He said “The Governor is working to make life conducive for the people so we should not be pushed to protest. Those asking you to protest, should ask their children to be part of it. Parents should sensitize your children not to participate in the planned protest”.
