TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO GOVERNOR HYACINTH ALIA OF BENUE STATE ON YOUTH MOBILIZATION & EMPOWERMENT, HON. MKEENEM MOSES FIMC, CMC, NOVEMBER 9, 2023.

Protocols.

Gentlemen of the Press, I welcome you all to this press conference, called today to address a pressing issue that has been plaguing Benue State, the rise in reported cases of alleged genital theft. It is with great concern that we have observed the formation of criminal groups amongst some of our youth, who have been spreading false rumors about penis snatching. These rumors have caused panic and have led to mob action and the mistreatment of innocent individuals.

We want to condemn these barbaric and criminal acts in the strongest possible terms, to say despite the earlier warning issued by the Benue State Police Command on these incidents, it has continued to occur.

We want to emphasize that there have been no reported cases of missing joysticks in our state. The dissemination of such false information is not only misleading but also fosters violence and puts innocent lives at risk. We will not tolerate this any longer.

I want to make it clear that we will collaborate with the security agencies to take immediate action henceforth to arrest those who raise such false alarms, torture and rob innocent persons within Benue State. There is no case of a missing penis in our state so far.

This act of cruelty cannot be overlooked to linger under the administration of His Excellency Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Alia who is working round the clock to end all forms of insecurity in Benue State.

Although we are against criminality, let it be on notice that, the rising cases of jungle justice in the state are becoming worrisome and the youths are advised to desist from it.

We want to remind the youth that programs are in the pipeline to ensure that Benue youth are positively engaged in the numerous programs the Alia Government has in stock for the youth.

Immediate actions will be taken to apprehend those responsible for spreading these false rumors and engaging in acts of violence. We are very optimistic that Security operatives will arrest and detain individuals perpetrating these crimes.

I extend my gratitude to the members of the press for their presence at this conference, your role in disseminating accurate information to the public is invaluable. Together, let us work towards putting an end to these baseless rumors and restoring peace and harmony in our beloved Benue State.

Thank you, and may God bless us all.

We want to emphasize that there have been no reported cases of missing joysticks in our state. The dissemination of such false information is not only misleading but also fosters violence and puts innocent lives at risk. We will not tolerate this any longer.

Illiteracy is not a disease,
It's something worse.

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