In his continuous effort to check rising security challenges in the state, Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom said he was determined to implement the Anti Kidnapping, anti cultism and the 2017 Anti open grazing laws to the letter.
Ortom who stated this while reacting to the rising security situation in the state said the rise in criminality in the state was a wake up call to fully implement the anti Kidnapping, anti cultism and the 2019 anti open grazing laws.
Ortom while fielding questions from journalists said implementation of the laws was part of proactive action to put an end to criminality; the kidnappings, armed robbery and cultism in the state and also bring peace to not only the affected areas but the entire Benue.
Ortom who thanked the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, the Army, Police, SSS, Civil Defence and their sister agencies working in the state, for their efforts, pledged adequate support to the security agencies and urged the general public to volunteer useful information as security was everyone’s business.
“In the midst of all that is happening, anyone can be the next target. It could be you, your child, your friend, anyone. So we must work together to ensure security of our state.”
The Governor said the Anti Open Grazing law has been fully enforced in the state saying over 45 persons have been convicted while more than 400 people have been arrested and going through various stages of prosecution.
READ ALSO: Police Rescue 2 Kidnapped Chinese Nationals in Ebonyi
“Even on Thursday last week, several herds of cattle were arrested around University of Agriculture, Makurdi and when the owners come, they will be arrested and sanctioned according to our laws.
He called on cattle rearers in Benue state to look for land to ranch their cattle to avoid contravening the law saying the era of open grazing was over in Benue state and the law was targeting those flouting it.
Governor Ortom also debunked the rumours making the round that he was planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
The Governor said he had no such plans to leave the PDP adding that there was no basis for going back to the APC. Ortom who said he was comfortable in the PDP further said that nothing would make him go back go his vomit.
He therefore called on the people of the state to support him in his second term assuring that his second term in office would be vigorous, re-positioned to impact on every sector of the economy to bring the needed development closer to the people.
