Insecurity: FG Refusing To Give Weapon License To State Owned Security – Ortom

The Governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom claimed to have submitted an application to the Federal Government to give his state owned security license to carry weapon.

Ortom claim the Federal Government have not responded to his demand and the state will make a decision if no response is gotten from the federal government in a month time.

He said his people will make a categorical decision on the matter in the next month if the Federal Government continues its refusal.

Ortom spoke in Makurdi, the state capital at the passing out parade of batch B of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards. He inaugurated the first batch on August 4.

Addressing the guards on Thursday, Ortom said the aim of the state-owned security agency is to complement efforts by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in curbing surging crimes and killings in the state.

He also argued for the creation of state police, saying the decentralization of the current policing system in the country will go a long way to address the worsening security challenges of kidnapping and terrorism ubiquitous across Nigeria.

The governor said, “Towards this aim, the Benue State Government has already procured some essential equipment as permitted by law and handed them over to the Nigerian Police for use by Benue State Community Volunteer Guards for effective crime-fighting. Motor vehicles and motorcycles have also been made available.

“I wish to assure you that we will continue to acquire more equipment and weapons that are permitted by law to ensure that you don’t endanger yourself but that you effectively perform in this assignment.

“This giant call towards self-defenses is indeed a clarion call to all Nigerians of nationalistic and patriotic spirit to rise and not only support our cause but to also show in the ways to maintain and sustain our lives and nationhood.”

Rise Of State-Owned Security Agencies

Of late, some state governments have come together to establish regional security agencies to halt kidnapping-for-ransom, herdsmen attacks, and banditry, amongst others which continue to plague Nigeria.

Whilst the Amotekun is operational in the South-West since 2020, the five South-East governors established Ebubeagu in 2021 to complement efforts by conventional security agencies.

Like Ortom, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has continued to call on the Federal Government to give Amotekun Corps a licence to bear arms, saying it is discriminatory for Kastina State Government-owned security agency to be granted the privilege whilst others like Amotekun are denied such status.

However, the Presidency has insisted that no state has the right to procure assault rifles for its security outfit.