‘Self-defence is the first law of nature’, Gov Ortom tells Benue residents

Samuel Ortom, the governor of Benue State, has disclosed that the state’s volunteer guard programme was started in order to protect people and property from the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders.

In response to questioning from reporters in Makurdi on Tuesday, Ortom made this claim while once again urging the people of the state to stand up and defend themselves against those seeking to sow unrest there.
Self-defense is the first natural rule, he declared. We need to protect ourselves.
In order to supplement the work of the state’s traditional security services, the Governor earlier in August 2022 formally established the first group of 500-Man Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, or BSCVG.

He also promised to apply for AK47 and AK49 licenses to properly arm the guards to enable them effectively confront the armed herders attacking Benue communities.

Speaking on the rationale behind its creation on Tuesday, Ortom noted that the mandate was necessary in order to curb crime across the state.

“The recent launch of the volunteer guards was meant to protect the state and not to intimidate anyone. Criminals should know that the security architecture of the state will catch up with them.

“Self-defence is the first law of nature. We must defend ourselves. I have made an application to the FG for license to own AK47. We have decided to take our destinies in our hands to want peace. We want to remain the food basket of the nation.

“We shall fight to survive. We are ready to spill the last pint of our blood to protect our lands,” Ortom said.

The governor called on the people of the state to rise up, stressing that enough was enough.

“The FG has demonstrated that they lack capacity to safeguard the country.

“Every Benue son and daughter should fight for the soul of the state. No one can come from anywhere to protect you. There is an agenda for ethnic cleansing and domination,” he added.