It’s now an offence for families who lost their loved ones to organise wakes beyond 10 pm in Benue State. Governor Hyacinth Alia has introduced several new regulations aimed at improving public order and reducing crime. These measures include prohibiting wakes beyond 10 pm, farming on unfenced plots in urban areas and rallies past 10 pm. Governor Alia signed an executive order establishing the Department of Public Order within the Ministry of Justice to oversee these regulations.
Governor Alia explained that these decisions aim to curb criminal activities and political violence, including kidnappings and murders, which have led to the rise of local warlords and militia groups. The executive order, based on Section 14(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 10 of the Public Order Act, CAP 382, was signed on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi.
During the ceremony, Deputy Governor Sam Odeh emphasized the importance of adhering to these new laws to maintain public order. Prohibited acts include traffic rule violations, child labour, prostitution, littering, open defecation, and unauthorized construction and vending activities.
