By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called on the Nigerian Army to turn its focus on Benue State to help secure the Food Basket of the Nation from the hands of armed herders, bandits and local criminal elements.
The Governor made the call today, Tuesday when he paid a courtesy call to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his office, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the governor said, Gov. Alia pointed out that, “the once very peaceful state is at the moment besieged by criminals ranging from murderous armed herders, bandits and local gangsters”.
The governor according to the statement lamented that “a week hardly passes without reports of two, three or more persons being killed in the villages, mostly on their farms by armed herders. Most of these killings are not reported in the media”.
He decried the lack of manpower for other formations operating within the state, including Operation Whirlstroke and the 401 Special Forces Brigade, adding that if properly equipped, the men of the formations may begin to enter the hinterlands to be able to tackle the menace and will not only be standing on the roads as it is the practice presently.
Gov. Alia called for the establishment of Force Operation Bases in the most affected areas like Anyiin, Naka, Ukum, Agatu, Udei and Gbajimba.
In his response, the COAS stated that as one who has served in the state for nine years, he has a good understanding of the security situation of the state.
“In my capacity as COAS, I do receive daily security reports both formal and informal from Benue State”.
He promised that the Nigerian Army would turn its attention to Benue, especially now that the dry season is setting in, adding that it is the time that the state usually witnesses a lot of crises.
