Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says that protection of lives and property of citizens remain his administration’s topmost priority.
Alia gave the assurance in Makurdi on Wednesdayat the homeland security conference organised by the Benue Public Service Institute to proffer solutions to the lingering security challenges.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, said that state was grappling with a myriad of security challenges but assured the people of his commitment and determination to tackle them.
“I observed here that the paper presenters were able to achieve this trajectory of addressing the problem of security, not only in Benue but across the nation.
“The problems have been identified, the issues have been properly interrogated, and in the course of the presentation, we spoke to the issues.
“It was quite clear-cut; whether at the community level or otherwise, the issues were clearly identified, and far-reaching obligations were outlined with global implementation strategies that will help us address the issue of insecurity.
“In the course of the presentation, we observed that the activities of non-state actors, separatists, and agitators were identified as some of the problems.
“We have made the security of lives in the state a topmost priority. Not just any kind of security, but targeted efforts that address key concerns,” he assured.
Alia urged the stakeholders to also discuss climate change, noting that as the desert expands and resources like water and grazing fields shrink, herders will continue to migrate.
The governor assured citizens that the state would devise strategies to live with this situation.
“We must find ways to implement anti-grazing laws in a manner that reduces the loss of lives. The life of one citizen is as important as 100 lives.
“We must also check the trends of criminal elements masquerading as herders.
“The discovery of solid mineral resources in many areas is leading to situations similar to those in Zamfara. We must confront that situation.
“If we don’t do so, what has been happening in Zamfara may happen here too, particularly in areas with fertile land and valuable resources,” he added.
The governor commended the special dedication and management of the Public Service Institute for organising the training.
According to him, the institute was conceived in the mould of other policy institutes, like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
He lauded the progress made by the institute in a short time.
There are presentations by resource persons on how to improve the security of the state.
The 3-day conference which began on Wednesday would end on Friday
