Benue state government has vowed to begin full implementation of anti cultism law this week to check unwholesome activities of some youths fomenting trouble in the state, particularly in the aftermath of deadly Fulani attacks.
Governor Samuel Ortom announced this plan Sunday during an expanded security meeting with ethnic groups in Benue held at Government House, Makurdi. The anti cultism law was signed May last year along with the anti open grazing law to tame the rising tide of violent acts, hostage taking, kidnapping among other anti social behaviours.
He said government will deal decisively with anyone caught perpetrating acts which contravened the law and charged parents to caution their children against engaging in cult related activities while the state, based on the law was ready to grant amnesty to repentant cultists.
Ortom also cautioned people in the state against acting based on rumours to cause chaos, a development which according to reports led to uprisings in some parts of Wadata and Wurukum settlements in, Makurdi on Saturday and urged all citizens to be law abiding.
The governor said the meeting was aimed at instilling confidence in the people, irrespective of ethnic background and assured them of government determination to continue to protect lives and property and urged them not to shield criminals but always volunteer information to security agencies to avert breakdown of law and order.
JAMES KWEN, MAKURDI
