The governor of Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has commended the federal government for the release of N18 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria in support of state governments.

Mr Ortom made the commendation on Friday during an interaction with journalists at the Benue Peoples Government House in Makurdi.

The governor, who clarified that the money was not a grant but a loan, said it would assist most states in tackling some fundamental challenges of development.

He said the Benue executive council would soon meet to prioritise the utilisation of the funds.

Mr Ortom disclosed that for a state that had been running a deficit budget, the money would support in critical areas like payment of salary arrears and tackling infrastructure deficit.

“We will ensure that the utilisation of the money has a direct impact on the lives of our people,” he assured.

Mr Ortom regretted the recent killing of a priest and others at Tor Donga village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state and assured that those behind the act would be apprehended.

He said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies in the state to protect the lives and property of all citizens.

(NAN)