Iortyom Blames Benue Insecurity On Poor Leadership, Council Bosses’ Inactiveness
Makurdi, Benue State – Chief Bemgba Iortyom says a proactive and visible leadership from various council chairmen across Benue State could help in mitigating the spate of insecurity in the state.
The recent spate of attacks in various communities across Benue State have brought to the fore the critical role that Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen play in addressing insecurity in their domains.
Chief Bemgba Iortyom, a prospective governorship candidate in Benue State, has lamented the lack of visibility and proactive measures by most council chairmen in the state, particularly those in areas directly affected by insecurity.
The insecurity situation in Benue State has been dire, with numerous attacks reported in various communities. In Sankera, killer herdsmen recently camped openly for days, unleashing mayhem that resulted in the gruesome deaths of hundreds of people, including men, women, and children.
Similar attacks have been reported in other communities, including Chitto and other points in Ukum Local Government Area. These attacks have not only caused loss of life and property but have also created a sense of fear and insecurity among the people.
Reacting to this, Iortyom attributed the success of Hon. Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma Local Government Area, in addressing security challenges, to his willingness to be visible and proactive.
According to Iortyom, Orwough’s presence in troubled areas serves as a significant morale booster for security personnel, adding that his proactive approach has been instrumental in preventing attacks in his domain.
In his words:
“In time of war, a people derive assurance from the visibility of their leaders in the frontline every now and then,” Iortyom said.
The prospective governorship candidate urged the chairmen of Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Gwer-East, Gwer-West, Makurdi, Logo, Buruku, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Kwande local government areas to emulate Orwough’s energy and visibility.
He emphasized that council chairmen had a direct and critical role to play in tackling insecurity in Benue State, hence cannot afford to be lax about their obligations.
To address the security challenges in the state, Iortyom proposed the formation of a “Frontline Areas Alliance” comprising chairmen of the 11 local government areas most directly affected by insecurity.
This alliance, he reiterated would enable the chairmen share intelligence, coordinate on strategy, and counter insurgency operations, thereby ensuring a more effective response to security challenges.
Continuing, he stressed that the proposed alliance would also provide a platform for the chairmen to draw the attention of the Governor and security agencies to the plight of their areas and the need for urgent action.
“By working together and sharing intelligence, council chairmen can ensure a more effective response to security challenges. They can also mobilize their constituents and coordinate efforts to tackle insecurity, thereby promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for citizens. As the state continues to grapple with the scourge of insecurity, the leadership and proactive measures of council chairmen will be critical in determining the success of efforts to address this challenge.”
Meanwhile, Iortyom’s call to action serves as a reminder of the need for collective action and proactive leadership in tackling insecurity in Benue State. “It is the heart first before the resources. The saying holds true that ‘It is the man that makes the office, not the office that makes the man,” Iortyom urged.
By emulating Orwough’s energy and visibility, council chairmen in Benue State can make a significant impact in tackling insecurity and promoting economic development. The people of Benue State deserve nothing less than proactive and visible leadership from their council chairmen, and it is time for them to rise to the challenge.
