Benue Governor Advocates for Increased Military Intervention (Photos)

Benue Governor Advocates for Increased Military Intervention (Photos)

By Aysha S. Rabo

In a pivotal meeting within the military operations hub, the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia visited Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General C.G. Musa, today to convey congratulations and appreciation for the CDS’s unwavering dedication to his role.

The governor lauded the track record of the CDS and expressed confidence that, under his leadership, the state would make significant strides in achieving its security objectives.

During the visit, the Governor acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Nigerian Army in the state, noting a substantial improvement in peace since May. “It is important to state that we not only have peace, as in the absence of crisis, but we have absolute peace that allows internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return home and citizens to sleep with a sense of security,” he emphasised.

The Governor, drawing a parallel to the tale of Oliver Twist, communicated the state’s desire for heightened military intervention in the security domain. He highlighted historical challenges with banditry and violence, resulting in loss of lives, displacement, and disruptions to farming activities. While praising the positive impact of the ongoing Operation Y Stroke, he stressed the imperative for additional measures.

He articulated specific requests for an increased military presence, advocating for the establishment of forward operation bases and the relocation of barracks to areas bordering Cameroon. The Governor underscored the economic significance of securing borders, especially in a state endowed with rich solid minerals.

However, he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the military both financially and logistically in their operations. “If the suggested bases are created, the state would collaborate closely with the military to ensure their effectiveness in securing the region,” he pledged.

Appreciating the Governor’s visit, the Chief of Defence Staff echoed the shared responsibility for security and affirmed the armed forces’ commitment to enhancing operations professionally. “The military would consider and act on the presented requests to further strengthen their capabilities in maintaining peace and security in Benue State and across Nigeria,” emphasised the CDS, highlighting the overarching goal of achieving nationwide peace, closing internally displaced camps, and enabling communities to resume normalcy.

Benue Governor Advocates for Increased Military Intervention (Photos)