Fight against Fulani mafia: Benue will take destiny in its own hand if…
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has vowed to build a-10,000-man-strong volunteer force that will defend the Benue people.
Ortom who spoke at the passing out parade of a new batch of Benue Volunteer Guards said the Presidency was yet to respond to a request by the State for permission to procure automatic riffles.
Governor Samuel Ortom taking the salute as members of the Benue State Volunteer Force march past“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 riffles, to further strengthen your logistic support base and your defence capability”, Ortom stated.
“I am still waiting for approval from the Federal Government. Despite the fact I have done this application three months ago, no single reply has been given to me.
Volunteer force members on parade.
Governor Samuel Ortom addressing Benue State volunteers who are vowing to defend the motherland from the Fulani.” I have a responsibility to the State Government and the people of Benue State. If in the next one month, there is no reply, I will revert to the people of Benue State and seek their opinion on what to do.”
But the Governor said that his government has assembled some equipment to enable the volunteers discharge their duties and assured them more equipment will be procured.
“The Benue State Government has acquired some essential equipment permitted by law and handed it over to the police for use by the Volunteer Guards for effective crime fighting.
“I wish to assure you that we will acquire more equipments and weapons that are permitted by law to ensure that you don’t endanger yourself, but you will effectively perform in this assignment”, Ortom remarked.
The Governor added, “This giant step towards self defence is indeed a clarion call to all Nigerians with nationalistic and patriotic spirit to rise and not only support our cause, but also throw in their weight to maintain and sustain our lives and nationhood.”