Peter Amine - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Peter Amine
Dec, Sun, 2024

Security: Alia inaugurates civil guards, donates vehicles

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By Emmanuel Antswen

Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue on Saturday launched a 5000-man new security outfit known as the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).

Alia also unveiled a Joint Security Task Force named “Operation Anyam Nyor” to tackle the security challenges bedevilling the state.

The governor during the ceremony in Makurdi announced the donation of 100 Hilux security vans and 600 special combatant motorcycles for their effective operations.

He assured Benue residents that security remained his top priority, adding that the stability of a community leads to meaningful and sustainable development.

Alia stated that the state made strategic investments aimed at fortifying the capacity of security agencies.

According to him, the goal is to combat criminality and create an environment where people can live and thrive without fear.

He said the BSCPG was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in the state by way of synergising and comparing notes.

Alia stated that an additional 5000 guards would be recruited in due course to bring the total to 10,000.

“To further strengthen our security framework, I am pleased to announce the launch of the Operation “Anyam Nyor” Joint Security Task Force.

“This operation represents the largest and most comprehensive security collaboration in the history of our dear state.

“The operation has the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps working together.

“They will deploy personnel across all local government areas in the state.

“This joint effort will ensure that security concerns are not only addressed comprehensively but also decisively,” he said.

The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to his administration, especially his security efforts.

He also commended the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatyse, and the Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, for their dedication to peace-building in the state.

Alia further thanked the officers for responding to the call for service and urged them to always operate in accordance with their mandate.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, said the 19 northern governors would support the Benue security project.

Yahaya said the efforts of the Benue governor were in preparation for the coming of the state police, adding that Benue has taken a step ahead of other states.

Also, the Tiv paramount ruler, Prof. James Ayatse, said the Benue traditional institution would support the security initiatives of the governor.

Ayatse said that the recruitment of 5000 BSCPG was not for political reasons and charged the officers to operate within their set mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by governors, Chairman of APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and other party chieftains.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

Peter Amine
Nov, Thu, 2024

General News

SEMA, BSUTH sign MoU on IDPs treatment

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By Peter Amine
The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the treatment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.

The MoU was signed by the SEMA Executive Secretary, Sir James Iorpuu, and BSUTH Chief Medical Director, Dr Stephen Hwande, on Thursday in Makurdi.

Speaking at the event, Iorpuu said that the partnership marked a significant milestone in collective efforts to alleviate the sufferings of IDPs in Benue and to ensure their access to essential and quality healthcare services.

The executive secretary stated that the plight of Benue citizens in IDP camps across local governments was one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges.

“These vulnerable populations face numerous difficulties, with access to healthcare being one of the most critical.

“Many IDPs are unable to access the medical attention they urgently need due to financial constraints and logistical barriers.

“It is in recognition of this need that Benue SEMA has sought this collaboration with BSUTH, an institution renowned for its excellence in medical care and service delivery.

“Through this agreement, IDPs in the 10 designated camps will now have the opportunity to receive timely and quality healthcare services at BSUTH, with the assurance that SEMA will settle the bills at a later date.

“This initiative is not just a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of displaced persons; it is also a testament to the importance of partnerships in addressing the complexities of humanitarian crises,” he added.

He further said that the agency was leveraging the expertise and resources of BSUTH and the coordination capabilities of SEMA to set a precedent on how institutions can work together for the betterment of society.

Iorpuu added that they would ensure that the agreement was implemented effectively and transparently.

He said both SEMA and BSUTH must remain accountable to the people, ensuring that the initiative achieved its intended impact.

Hwande, in his remarks, lauded SEMA for initiating the partnership that would be beneficial to the vulnerable population in the state.

“What SEMA is doing is landmark because such services were left in the hands of the Red Cross and other international organisations.

“For the first time, SEMA is saying that I will take responsibility for treating IDPs.

“It costs a lot of money to treat these IDPs; one lassa fever case sometimes takes close to one million Naira.

“We have resolved that we will give some discounts; if the cases are very expensive, we will give a higher discount. The discount will be based on the case,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)