Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called for increased partnership with the Nigerian Army to rid the state of criminal elements.
The governor made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy call on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
This was contained in statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Tersoo Kula.
Alia said Benue, a once very peaceful state, is at the moment besieged by criminals ranging from murderous armed herders, bandits and local gangsters.
He said, “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 are not reported in the media.”
He decried 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.
He called for the establishment of Force Operation Bases in 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 on a daily basis security reports both formal and informal from Benue State.”
He promised that the Nigerian Army will turn its attention to Benue, especially now that the dry season is about setting in, adding that it is the time that the state usually witness a lot of crisis.