Gov. Ortom commissions Agro-Rangers troop in Benue

By Jimin Geoffrey

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom today commissioned Agro-Rangers, a special operations unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

Performing the ceremony at the NSCDC headquarters in Makurdi, Governor Ortom tasked officers and men of the unit on commitment and dedication to duty, saying their job is a critical one which requires them to demonstrate unalloyed patriotism to the country.

He stated that majority of Benue people depend on farming as their means of livelihood which they desire to be protected at all times, expressing optimism that the coming of the troops would help curb the influx of herdsmen in the state.

Governor Ortom, who promised to donate four Hilux vehicles to the State Command of the NSCDC for the Agro-Rangers unit, pledged greater support to the command.

He acknowledged the professionalism and determination of NSCDC during the invasion of the state by armed herdsmen, stressing that some of their men and those of other security agencies paid the supreme price in defending the people.

State Commandant of the NSCDC, Kamilu Ado Isah stated that Agro-Rangers unit was initiated by the Federal Government to address security challenges in agricultural and agro-allied industries, particularly in rural communities.

He said the special operatives have been trained in counter-terrorism and unconventional warfare, noting that the presence of the rangers would also curtail conflicts between herders and farming communities.

Assistant Commandant General, ACG Zone H, Osaro Lugard Osemwengie had earlier expressed delight that formation of the Agro-Rangers had become reality. He solicited the support of Benue people to enable the unit succeed.

Governor Ortom had inspected a guard of honour on arrival at the NSCDC headquarters.