The Benue State Government has vowed to flush out criminal elements in the state.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Mr.Joseph Har, in Makurdi while speaking with newsmen in his office over the spate of banditry in the Ukum Local Government Area of the State.
Har assured that the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration is committed to putting an end to violent crimes in the state.
He said already Alia’s recent visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, for assistance is yielding positive results as there is massive military presence in Makurdi, the State capital.
He explained that part of the strategy is to engage the bandits in kinetic and non-kinetic as well as applying the stick and carrot approach.
He added that the government is already engaging the bandits in trust and confidence building.
He noted that though the past approach was erroneous, the present administration is desirous and committed to get it right.
“My principal, Governor Hyacinth Alia is sincere, pasionate about human life as a priest. For the first time in the history of the country, a state has two security advisers, one for security and Strategic Liaison and the other on Security and Internal Affairs.
“We are talking to the bandits and asking them to calm down. I will refer you to the Gana era which was erroneously done. So, these bandits are having doubts but we have a Governor who is sincere and honest and willing to extend hands of fellowship to everyone.
“The fact that things were done wrongly yesterday, does not mean that things will be continually done wrongly. We are telling them to trust this government as well as security agencies, who are committed to a peaceful kinetic approach,” he said.