A former Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State and 2027 governorship hopeful, Bemgba Iortyom, has stated that Benue will not be part of the newly announced Northern Security Trust Fund.
Northern Governors’ and traditional rulers had in an emergency security meeting in Kaduna proposed joint security trust fund to tackle insecurity in the region.
Under the arrangement, the 19 northern states are to contribute N1 billion monthly for the course.
According to the forum, the fund is to be deducted at source to confront the escalating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping ravaging the region.
But speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Iortyom distanced Benue state from the arrangement, saying, regional arrangement under the north has never protected Benue people.
“The people must reject Governor Alia’s decision to drag Benue into this arrangement. Our state cannot contribute N1 billion monthly into a fund that will not secure our borders, will not enforce our laws, and will not protect our communities.”
He criticised the governor for disbanding local security outfits such as the Livestock Guards and Volunteer Guards established under the previous administration to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law (2017).
“Insecurity in Benue targets the most vulnerable. And the truth is that the people at the grassroots have clearer information about the movement and presence of these criminal groups.
“What government needs to do is simple: engage the communities, follow the administrative chain down to the local government and ward levels, and strengthen existing local security structures.
“The previous administration had local security outfits — the Livestock Guards and Volunteer Guards.
“They were trained, equipped and prepared to enforce the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. Despite facing obstacles in obtaining full licensing for automatic weapons, the system was functioning.
“We have repeatedly offered suggestions to the governor. Yes, the Nigerian Army and Air Force are needed at certain levels to confront heavily armed terrorists.
“But fundamentally, local communities can defend themselves if the government partners with them, local governments, traditional rulers and volunteer networks across the state. What is missing is not capacity but political will.”
