The governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, says he has filed an application seeking a licence for the purchase of AK47 rifles to the Federal Government.
According to the governor, the move had become necessary due to the security challenge currently facing Nigeria.
Speaking on Tuesday in Makurdi, Ortom noted that the guns would be for the purpose of arming the recently launched security network, Community Volunteer Guard, in the state.
“Self-defence is the first law of nature.” We must defend ourselves. I have made an application to the FG for a licence to own an AK47. We have decided to take our destinies into our own hands to want peace, “Ortom said.
“The recent launch of the volunteer guards was meant to protect the state and not to intimidate anyone. Criminals should know that the security architecture of the state will catch up with them.”
The governor assured Benue indigenes of his administration’s drive of securing the lives and property of his people.