2027: Benue govt warns against destruction of public utilities, billboards

The Benue State Government has warned against the destruction of public utilities and billboards across the state, saying anyone caught vandalising public assets will face the full weight of the law.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, issued the warning in a statement on Monday following what the government described as the deliberate destruction of public infrastructure and billboards by suspected vandals.

Iorpev said the government had received reports of the “deliberate and wanton destruction” of public utilities and billboards by individuals he described as criminal and retrogressive elements bent on undermining the developmental efforts of the Hyacinth Alia-led administration.

He warned that anyone found culpable of vandalism, regardless of the guise or reason, would be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.

According to the commissioner, the state government has constituted a dedicated task force to monitor, protect and secure public utilities and billboards across Benue.

He said the task force had been directed to collaborate with security agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction of public assets and ensure their prosecution.

Iorpev said the Alia administration remained committed to the rule of law and the protection of public and private investments contributing to the growth and development of the state.

The government also assured residents, investors and other stakeholders of its readiness to protect their legitimate investments and activities from criminal elements.

Iorpev urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around public installations to security agencies or the task force.

“Let it be clearly understood that this administration will not fold its arms while criminal elements destroy public assets and threaten the peace and progress of our state.

“The full machinery of government will be deployed to clamp down on such elements, and offenders will be brought to book without fear or favour,” he said.