The Kukah Centre on Thursday engaged stakeholders to strengthen the Benue Civil Protection Guards law for effective and efficient output.

The centre’s executive director, Atta Barkindo, said the ‘Validation of Law Assessment Report in Benue’ stakeholders engagement meeting would also boost the capacity building of the security outfit.

Mr Barkindo said they were supported by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria programme to achieve the goal.

The SPRiNG is an initiative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development, and executed by the centre.

Mr Barkindo said the project, which would be implemented by the Improving Community Security Initiative for Accountable Service Delivery, is also being executed in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Plateau.

He explained that, through the project, the gaps in the law that established the security outfit would be addressed to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

Leonard Viashima, director-general of the Bureau for International Cooperation and Development, said the project aligns with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

Mr Viashima said Mr Alia’s administration prioritises peacebuilding, inclusive governance, and people-centred development as key enablers of sustainable progress.

Mr Viashima stated that by improving community security and promoting accountability in service delivery, the state would move closer to realising a Benue where every citizen feels safe, valued, and heard.

The project’s legal adviser, Justin Gbagir, pointed out that the existing law failed to make adequate provision for the funding of the security outfit.

Mr Gbagir condemned the current situation, which left the outfit’s funding to the discretion of Benue’s executive governor, adding that it should be budgeted.

The legal adviser said the law was also silent on issues such as discipline, the process for requirements, and the appointment of the commander, among others.

According to Ayuma Ajobi, the commander of the guards, the current law does not empower him to discipline any personnel.

Mr Ajobi commended the organisers for their support, adding that some clauses of the law were ambiguous.

(NAN)