Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has bought more vehicles and motorcycles to boost the fight against crime in the state.
He confirmed his word today during a joint meeting with Livestock and Community Volunteer Guards to enhance their operations stating that the vehicles would be presented to the groups next Monday.
The governor said 18 pickup trucks and 100 motorcycles would be shared equally among the groups.
He stated that a workshop would be organised for them to build the capacity of members with the requisite security knowledge and skills to discharge their responsibilities creditably.
Governor Ortom noted that the two groups of guards would be equipped to support conventional security apparatus of state in providing security for lives and property.
While advising them to operate within the ambit of the law, he charged livestock guards particularly to ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, stressing that all categories of livestock must be ranched.
The governor appealed to them to also assist in curbing other forms of criminality including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and assassinations.
He said there were a lot of investors willing to invest in the state but would only do so in a peaceful atmosphere, stressing that with a secured state, there would be enough for everybody.
Responding on behalf of members, State Commander of Livestock Guards, Alhaji Aliyu Tashaku and his Community Volunteer Guards counterpart, Mr George Mbessey, assured of their commitment and dedication in the discharge of their duties.