By Margaret Oraza
As part of effort to assist in curbing insecurity in Benue State, the state government has approved the purchase of operational vehicles for members of the state Community Volunteer Guards to ease their operations.
This was made known Friday, at the monthly Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting, held at the Conference Hall, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Makurdi.
Speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Ken Achabo, said the approval to purchase the Innoson vehicles cover members of the newly established Community Volunteer Guards in all the 23 local government areas of the state.
“The approval is aimed at facilitating their operations in providing support for conventional security agencies in the fight against crime in the state,” he stated.
Barr Achabo, who commended council chairman for their cooperation and ensuring prompt payment of salaries at the third tier, despite financial constraints, urged them to sustain the practice.
Responding, Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Chairman, Guma Local Government, Mr Caleb Aba, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the state Governor, Samuel Ortom for giving priority to local government welfare by approving the monthly meetings, despite the short fall in the federation’s allocation.
“I commend the leadership of the bureau, special adviser and my colleagues for their dedication to service just as they approach the end their tenure in office,” he stated.
Mr Aba further congratulated the council chairmen who would be privileged to return for a second term, praying for God’s grace to enable them lead effectively.