The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Joshak Habila, on Friday assured fresh set of troops deployed to Benue State that they were more than able to surmount security challenges confronting the state.
Habila made the remark at the Police headquarters in Makurdi while deploying the operatives to their places of assignment within troubled rural vicinities of the state which had come under recent attacks by gunmen who have already killed over 70 people.
“The problem in Benue is nothing to be afraid of. You will go there and ensure peace,” Habila said.
He told his men not to go there and chase the people away but to encourage inhabitants who fled their homes to return, warning also against accidental discharge by the policemen as he urged them to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people they have been deployed to protect.
The DIG further assured the policemen that he would always be in the field with them, as he emphasised that the IGP, Ibrahim Idris had drafted him to Benue on the orders of President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the success of the assignment.
“Don’t drink where they drink and don’t smoke where they smoke. If there are challenges, the helicopter will come to your rescue. Don’t go after their wives. Their children must also be protected. Don’t go and chase the villagers away,” he also warned.
Habila added that the police would work in collaboration with all other security organisations with no boundary to states of Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa and possibly Kogi if need be.
