No doubt, Benue has been bedevilled by protracted security challenges.

Over the years, millions of Benue citizens have been sacked from their ancestral homes by assailants.

Observers say that thousands of innocent lives have been cut short, sources of livelihood destroyed, while untold hardship has become the order of the day in the Food Basket of the Nation.

Perturbed by the plight of the citizenry, Gov. Hyacinth Alia has come up with new initiatives to address the menace and give the people a new lease of life.

The drive, according to the governor, is to mainly address the lingering issue and provide an opportunity for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes and live their normal lives.

The governor recently inaugurated a state-owned security outfit, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG), to work with other security agencies to restore the peace that eluded the people for many years.

Alia, during the inauguration, said that BSCPG was established by law to complement the efforts of conventional security apparatuses in the state by way of synergising and comparing notes on security challenges and adopting global best practices in tackling them.

The governor said it was an open secret that for any society to progress, security must be prioritised.

He said that the stability of a community formed the bedrock for meaningful and sustainable development.

“With this understanding and in pursuit of our collective vision for a peaceful, prosperous and industrialised Benue, we have made strategic investments aimed at fortifying the capacity of our security agencies.

“The goal is to decisively combat criminality and create an environment where our people can live, farm, work and thrive without fear.

“It is my firm belief that with these initiatives, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding lives and property but also sending a clear message that the fight against insecurity in Benue is won already.

“I take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the good people of Benue.

“His consistent concern for the security of Nigerians is commendable; we are grateful for the assistance his administration continues to provide in strengthening the security apparatus in our state.

“I also wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my fellow governors whose cooperation and encouragement have been invaluable in our shared commitment to national security.

“I must also express my sincere gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Service Chiefs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and especially to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who has consistently supported our state’s security efforts.

“Recently, his office donated two Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Benue Police Command; an act that further demonstrates his commitment to the safety of our people.’’

The governor charged BSCPG operatives to embody the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the discharge of their duties.

According to him, their role is critical to the success of the security initiatives, and he expressed confidence that they would rise to the occasion.

Alia, apart from BSCPG, also unveiled a joint task force—“Anyam Nyor’’ to strengthen the 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.

“Under Operation ‘Anyam Nyor’, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps will work together to 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.

“I am grateful to the heads of security agencies in Benue for their continuous collaboration in ensuring the peace and security of our communities,” he said.

He tasked traditional and religious leaders to work closely with the security agencies to ensure that peace and tranquility returned in their domains.

The governor said that the tireless efforts of traditional rulers and clerics in the peace and amnesty process had contributed immensely to the ongoing stabilisation efforts of the state.

Mr Fidelis Mnyim, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Public Order, said that BSCPG was a child of law that followed all the due processes to come into being.

Mnyim, who administered the oaths of allegiance and office, urged the personnel to work in accordance with the law establishing the outfit and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his submission, Egbetokun said that BSCPG was set up to assist the police in carrying out the task of protecting the people of Benue.

Egbetokun, who spoke through Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Mohammed Ali, said that security was not a one-man show but everyone’s business.

“I call on all of you to support the governor, the police and other security agencies to succeed in the task of making Benue safe for everyone,” he said.

Sharing similar sentiments, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, who is also, the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, said all the 19 northern governors would support the Benue security project to succeed.

Yahaya described the efforts of the Benue governor as timely in view of Nigerian governor’s positions on state police.

“I see this as a preparation for the coming of the state police and with this, Benue is a step ahead of other states of the federation.” he said.

More so, Prof. James Ayatse, President, Benue Traditional Council, lauded the governor’s efforts aimed at restoring enduring peace.

Ayatse pledged unalloyed support of the entire Benue traditional institution for the security initiatives of the governor to succeed.

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

Worthy of mention, residents applauded Alia for his commitment and dedication to tackling all forms of crime and criminality in the state.

A primary school teacher, Mr Terzungwe Oradi, described the inauguration of BSCPG as a clear demonstration of a proactive approach to security challenges bedevilling the state.

Oradi said the initiative showed Alia’s unwavering dedication to promoting peace and stability across the state.

The teacher added that the new outfit would no doubt complement the efforts of conventional security agencies by providing local intelligence, assisting in disaster management, and responding swiftly to emergencies.

A state civil servant, Mr Emmanuel Dominic, said that the rising spate of insecurity and environmental threats made the governor’s move not just timely but necessary.

“The state, which has witnessed various forms of violence and conflicts in recent years, is in dire need of such a tailored security intervention that understands its unique challenges.

“Alia’s decision to create and inaugurate this outfit underscores his deep understanding of the complexities of security in Benue.

“By employing local knowledge and resources, the civil protection guard will work hand-in-hand with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the people of Benue are well protected, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

“The civil protection guard will also play a crucial role in fostering community involvement, building trust between citizens and the government and creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of responsibility for the safety of their neighbourhoods,” Dominic said.

A social commentator, Mr Fidelis Anwange, said that the approach to community-driven security was a departure from the traditional, top-down model.

He said that approach promoted a sense of ownership and collective effort in the fight against crime and violence.

Anwange said that the civil protection guards’ focus on disaster response, whether dealing with floods, fires or other natural calamities, further highlighted Alia’s holistic approach to security.

“In a state like Benue, which is prone to flooding and other environmental disasters, having a well-trained, readily available team to respond to such events will undoubtedly save lives and property.

“Alia’s leadership in this regard deserves commendation; by creating the civil protection guard, he has not only addressed an immediate need but has also laid a solid foundation for long-term peace and stability in the state.

“As this initiative takes shape and grows, it will serve as a model for other states, showcasing the importance of local solutions to security challenges.

“Benue is indeed on the path to a safer, more secure future; thanks to Alia’s visionary leadership,” he said.

Security analysts hold that the audacious move by the governor will go a long way in containing Benue’s persistent security challenges.