The Benue State Government has constituted a Task Force to monitor and protect public utilities and billboards across the state, following what it described as deliberate destruction of such assets by criminal elements.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Solomon Iorpev, who said the government’s attention had been drawn to the wanton vandalism of public infrastructure by persons he described as retrogressive elements bent on undermining the developmental strides of the administration.
Iorpev warned that anyone found culpable of such acts, under whatever guise or pretext, would be dealt with decisively and made to face the full weight of the law, stressing that there would be no sacred cows or exceptions.
He said the newly constituted Task Force had been mandated to work in close collaboration with security agencies to identify, apprehend and ensure the prosecution of persons engaging in the criminal acts.
“The Alia-led Administration reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the rule of law and to safeguarding public and private investments that continue to drive growth and development across the state,” the statement read.
The government assured law-abiding citizens, investors and stakeholders of its total support and readiness to protect their legitimate endeavours from the activities of miscreants.
Iorpev urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity around public installations to security agencies or the Task Force.
“Let it be clearly understood that this administration will not fold its arms while criminal elements destroy public assets and threaten the peace and progress of our state,” he said. “The full machinery of government will be deployed to clamp down on such elements, and offenders will be brought to book without fear or favour.”
