The “Special Group Mobilization”, Modern Market Ward in Makurdi, the State capital has urged the Benue State House of Assembly to give the governor’s security aides time to deliver.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday signed by the group coordinator, Comrade Terungwa Tyongi in Makurdi.
According to reports, the State assembly had invited the two security advisers over killings and the influx of large herds of cattle into the State and urged them to stop the killings and ensure the strange herders leave with their cattle or resign after seven days.
The statement indicated that while the group admitted that the State assembly reserved the right to demand performance from the governor’s appointees, they have to give them time to deliver.
The statement also stated that the call for the resignation of the security advisers was not the solution to the problems adding that they only advise the Governor on security matters and make recommendations when necessary.
“The call for the Security Advisers’ resignation is a calculated attempt to discredit the tactical security initiatives brought by security advisers to Governor Hyacinth Alia which have brought relative peace in the state.
“The role of security advisers is to analysed security issues assess expected security trends and prioritising activities, advising the governor on security matters and make recommendations when necessary.
“The scope of work of Security Advisers’ to governors do not include going to war front to combat herdsmen or criminals.
They are neither duty bound to purchase vehicles and arms and ammunition for security outfits in the States.”the statement stated
The statement further commended the decision of the security advisers not to arrest cattles without the owners as it was done in the past as such incidents usually leads to attack on the communities where the cattle are arrested.
“We hail the decision taken by the Security Adviser to Governor to stop Livestock Guards from the unwholesome practices whereby in the past, they arrested cows and left our villages unprotected for herdsmen to attack and kill our people.
“We will hold Assembly members responsible if they pressure the Security Adviser to reverse this decision. We call on the good people of Benue State both at home and in diaspora to rally round Governor to ensure peace and progress in our dear Benue State.
It was reported that the security advisers on Thursday held peace meeting with some members and leaders of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Tiv leaders where they arrived at measures to halt the incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
It was also reported that suspected herders have in the past decade continued to kill farmers, destroy/burn houses in the many communities in the State.
(NAN)