Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, today announced the release of N17 million for payment to those who surrendered illegal weapons during his amnesty program.
He made the disclosure at a meeting with 175 people who surrendered 366 assorted weapons.
Governor Otom stated that the amnesty committee has organized a retreat for those who responded to the amnesty adding that the event would come up on the 14th and 15th of October, 2015, at the Benue Peoples House.
He expressed appreciation to those who responded and pledged that they will be rehabilitated and integrated to live normal lives within the community.
Governor Ortom however, noted that his administration will partner with security agencies to fish out those still holding weapons illegally and perpetrating crimes in the state.
He explained that the provision of security to the people of the state was a prerequisite for the maintenance of law and order as well as the attraction of investment into the state.
He stated that his administration was determined to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive in the state and create massive jobs wealth and opportunities for the people and that the objectives could not be realized with insecurity in the state hence the amnesty program.
In separate responses, leaders of armed gangs who surrendered messers Terzungwe Shiando alias General, Msugh Tyavyar, alias Pastor, and Terwase Agwaza, alias Ghana, all expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be reintegrated in the society.
They stated that hitherto they were fugitives from the law living like animals in the bush and expressed happiness for the freedom they have been granted.