The above is coming from Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State and he has stated clearly that they were giving the Federal Government month to approve AK-47 rifles for his people.
Ortom also said if the federal government should fail in adhering to the deadline, that he would seek the advice of his people, on what next to do,
The governor stated this on Thursday during the passing out parade of second batch of the State Volunteer Community Guards held at IBB Square, Makurdi. Aiyekooto Reporters reports.
Ortom said that he had applied for approval of AK 47 riffles license but regretted that over three months he was yet to get response from federal government.
“I have on behalf of the Benue State Government applied to the responsible Federal Government Agency for approval to procure automatic weapons particularly AK47 assault rifles to further strengthen your logistic support base and your defense capability.
While Aiyekooto Reporters reports that the Governor of the State has been calling on the FG to checkmate the excesses of herdsmen in the state but to no avail. Gov Samuel Ortom said, “I am still awaiting approval from the Federal Government to deal accordingly,” adding,. “If there is no reply in the next one month, I will revert to my people to give advice on what to do because federal government is complicit on the issue of herders attacks on the state
While stating that state governments and federal government were working towards moving from community policing to State Police, the governor said that when this happens, the personnel will automatically transit to the state police.
Ortom admonished the personnel to remain apolitical, conscientious, courteous, vigilant and strong to stand firm and protect the people.
He informed his administration had procured motor vehicles and motorcycles as well as other tools to ease their operation.
According to the governor, one thousand, five hundred personnel have so far been trained under the State Volunteer Community Guards while the governor promised to up the figure to 10,000 before he leaves office in 2023.
