The Benue State government on Friday said it has abolished cultism, extortion, marching ground levy collection and other violent activities in the state.

The security adviser to the governor on security and internal affairs, Joseph Har, stated this during a one-day “Benue Anti-Cultism Awareness Campaign” sensitisation walk in Makurdi.

Mr Har said the state government was not going to accommodate cultism, extortion, marching ground levy collection and violent activities in the state.

He said Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed that all those currently involved in such activities should desist immediately within the time frame or period of grace offered to them to change their ways.

He said after the expiration of this period, security agencies would go after all those still perpetrating such behaviours.

“Today marks the end of cultism, extortion, marching ground levy collection and violent activities in Benue. If you have strength, join us to defend the state,” he said.

At the Ter Makurdi’s palace, the security adviser, who sought the royal blessings of the traditional rulers for the assignment, also urged them to sensitise their subjects on the exercise.

He said the government would ensure that the state was peaceful for businesses to strive, adding that those extorting money from unsuspecting public members must stop doing so.

In his response, Ter Makurdi, Vincent Ahule, commended the government for the initiative and said they would support the project to succeed.

Mr Ahule, represented by Pius Tyo, district head of Iukyondu I-Sha, said they have over time condemned the activities of cultists, marching ground levy collectors and perpetrators of violent activities in the locality.

He regretted that such activities were bringing disgrace to them and the state.

(NAN)