The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hycianth Alia has expressed concern over the inability of farmers to still go to farms freely in his state which is predominantly farmers.
Fr Hycianth made this known when he was received by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja at the Army Headquarters Abuja.
He stressed that the killings in Benue State continue to take place in the hinterlands as most security is situated on the highway.
He urged the Chief of Army Staff to establish certain strategic formations in some of the locations of concern.
The Governor said; “Most fertile parts of the Benue valleys are still inaccessible to farmers due to the threats of bandits, violence from armed herders and at least two or more people were killed as a result of these violence from these groups. 401 Special Force Brigade is trying its best but its deployment remains on the main road, several times while the killings continue in the hinterlands. We are also hampered by insufficient manpower and patrol vehicles.
“Sir our prayer to you is for the Forward operation Basis to be established in six different locations located in six mentioned local government areas. Also, we beg for 41 Special Force Brigade and Operation WHIRL STROKE to be provided with additional manpower, armoured and patrol vehicles to improve their reach.”
Fr Hycianth noted that he recognised that the Nigerian Army is stretched and promised that as a government, they are ready to render all necessary support to the security agencies within the state to succeed.
The Governor explained that the state shares a boundary with Cameroon, expressing concern that the discovery of some solid minerals in some locations in the state is likely to increase the state of insecurity in those points. He therefore prayed to the Chief of Army Staff for proactive steps to be taken in that regard to avoid such from arising.
In his response, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja appreciated the Government and the people of Benue for being wonderful hosts to the Army formations and for their cooperation and interventions in supporting the Nigerian Army.
He said that he has reviewed the security situation in Benue State and promised to do his best to ensure lasting peace in the troubled areas.
The COAS said any intervention to be given to Benue has to be extended to surrounding states like Nasarawa and Taraba and the Headquarters is in a position to provide troops to 401 Brigade along with some combat enablers.
On the request to establish Forward Operation Base in the state, the COAS said, the executive and the National Assembly have to facilitate the funding for such to happen but promised that once the Army is done with off-circle elections.
He also said attention would turn to Benue state and other troubled states to strengthen the capacity of the troops there.
On the request on OPERATION WHIRL STROKE, General Lagbaja said he would draw the attention of the Defence Headquarters to it as the operation is carried out under the auspices of Defence Headquarters, to make it more effective.
He said; “I have taken note of the fact that our troops cling to the highway, though I know why, we will discourage that and push them into the hinterlands where people need them to enable them to engage in farming and other economic activities.
“Your Excellency I want to sincerely thank you for your support to Nigerian Army formations and units, if the Benue State government can do more in the area of non-kinetic approach in dialogue to encourage peaceful existence. I assure you that the Nigerian Army is committed to bringing peace to Benue.”
The Chief of Army Staff therefore appealed to the Governor and the people of the state to continue to support and provide intelligence for the troops to carry out their duties effectively.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
