Self defence allow by law, Group says, laud Gov. Ortom

By Kingsley Chukwuka

The assented amended Community Volunteer Guards law by Governor Samuel Ortom on Tuesday has been lauded by a Group who has always supported the Governor in his fight against insecurity in Benue State.

Recall that the new law empowers local guards to carry weapons legally recognized by the constitution.

Also recall that the law was first passed in 2000 by the State House of Assembly and assented to by George Akume, former governor of Benue State.

Reacting, the Group under the aegis of Middle- belt Forum said self defence is allowed under the law especially in a situation where government fails in his responsibility to protect lives and properties.

Leader of the Group, Mr. Godwin Gang while appreciating Ortom for his doggedness and resilience in ensuring the safety of the Benue people, said the Governor is the first to pioneer the anti grazing law.

Gang said Ortom’s push to end the Fulani herdsmen killings in the State made him an enemy of the Presidency, adding that the scuffle between him and the federal government did not deter him from standing by the Benue people.

“The Governor has taken practical steps in ending the crisis in the State and we call on all stakeholders in Benue to rally round the Governor to ensure the success of this law.

“Our State has legalized an institution to carry arms for self defence but the Fulani herdsmen move around with arms and other dangerous weapons without any authorization from government and yet none of them have been arrested and prosecuted”, Gang said.