Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State, Mr. Mathias Byuan, has pledged to create a “Benue Security Watch Dog Outfit” to ensure security of lives and property in the state when elected.
Mr. Byuan stated this in Makurdi while briefing journalists on his blueprint for Benue, named “Benue Transformation Agenda”.
He explained that the outfit will work in conjunction with the Nigerian police force and other security agencies including traditional rulers, religious leaders and Community Vigilante Groups for effective surveillance, information sharing and intelligence gathering for the safety of every citizen.
He noted that the collaboration will enable security agencies operating in the state to properly address security challenges and guarantee a crime free state.
He said when elected, his administration will also engage the services of retired police officers, military, DSS, civil defense and other retired security personnel to improve security in the state.
Byuan who also noted that peace was necessary ingredient you development said he will improve on the strained relationship between farmers and herders in the state by creating grazing areas at designated Benue/Nasarawa border.
“We are going to look at it critically and create grazing areas at our boundaries between Benue and Nasarawa, they will stay there and graze and pay us money for it. I will show them where to graze. Whether ranching or whatever, it will be designed by my administration.
“This will foster better relationships between the herders and farmers and also restore the age long peaceful coexistence that existed between us.”
The Governorship aspirant who noted that hunger has also pervades the state said he will create a ministry of Disaster Management and Stomach Infrastructure so that people can be adequately taken care of.
“Instead of being reactive and disaster happens, my government will be proactive so that people will be better positioned to contribute positively to the development of the state.
He also noted that his government will give great attention to prudent management of resources and improving the state economy through industrialisation, urban renewal, support for farmers as well as effective management of state mineral resources, justice administration, state infrastructure, health, education, transport sectors among others.
