ADVERTISEMENT

SSG says Amnesty Programme a huge success

He stressed that only the ignorant would quantify the pursuit for peace and security in monetary terms.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.

The Secretary to the Benue Government, Mr Targema Takema, on Saturday described the amnesty programme introduced by the administration to deescalate conflicts as a huge success.

Tekema made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi.

He berated those criticising the state amnesty programme as ``ignorant''.

Tekema said no amount of money expended on securing peace and harmony would be considered too much.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to him the net gains of government in recovering arms is unquantifiable.

``There can be no development in an arms zone.

``The large catche of arms recovered through the amnesty programme is enough to equip a battalion of soldiers.

"The amnesty has succeeded in bringing a colony of criminals under control.''

He said the recovery of arms was a significant step towards development.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The person who holds arms believes he is better than a university professor and the governor of the state because he can use the weapon to get whatever he wants.

"The scale of damage they do cannot be equated with the monetary benefits meant for the surrender of such weapons."

NAN reports that the state government had earmarked N80 million for the amnesty programme.

A total of N51 million was set aside as stipends to those who surrender their arms and N29 million for the post amnesty programme.

Over 580 assorted weapons including machines guns, AK 47, automated pistols, among others were handed over to the government.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Soludo's wife wants Nigerians to farm at their backyards to cut costs of living

Soludo's wife wants Nigerians to farm at their backyards to cut costs of living

Cross River Govt to deworm 886,292 school children, 173k for SCH treatment

Cross River Govt to deworm 886,292 school children, 173k for SCH treatment

Since death is inevitable, embrace it with great expectations - Cleric advises

Since death is inevitable, embrace it with great expectations - Cleric advises

FULL LIST: 7 best African cities to live in 2024

FULL LIST: 7 best African cities to live in 2024

Detained Binance executive's bail hearing adjourned to May 17 by Abuja court

Detained Binance executive's bail hearing adjourned to May 17 by Abuja court

Nollywood actor Pawpaw joins Army to promote responsible social media use

Nollywood actor Pawpaw joins Army to promote responsible social media use

Nigeria lost $706m to cybercrimes as EFCC closes 300 bank accounts

Nigeria lost $706m to cybercrimes as EFCC closes 300 bank accounts

UNN suspends lecturer over alleged sexual harassment of student

UNN suspends lecturer over alleged sexual harassment of student

Tourist falls into a volcano while posing for photos with husband

Tourist falls into a volcano while posing for photos with husband

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT