By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has promised to deploy more troops to Benue State to curb the illicit activities of bandits, Armed herders, and other militia groups in the state.
Gen Lagbaja made this promise on Tuesday while responding to a call by the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for the establishment of additional Battalion and Forward Operations Bases in Benue State, during his visit to the Army Headquarters, in Abuja.
The COAS, who disclosed that the NA is reviewing the activities and threat disposition in Benue, said, the intervention becomes necessary due to the recalcitrance of herders and farmers, who incessantly attack each other and vulnerable communities in Benue and contiguous states.
He also called on the Government and people of Benue state to support NA’s non-kinetic operations to complement the NA efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to the state.
Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said that the COAS expressed appreciation to the Government for its support and interventions in NA formations and units deployed in the state.
He assured that Combat enablers will be provided to enhance the capacity of the formation and units deployed in and around the state for effective operations.
The Governor of Benue State, Dr. Hyacinth Alia, advocated for the establishment of additional Forward Operations Bases (FOB) in the State to curtail security challenges orchestrated by bandits and Armed herders.
The Governor noted, that lives and property have been lost, especially in the hinterland through the atrocious activities of bandits, herders, and other armed groups.
He noted that Benue State is prone to security challenges, as a result of its borders with contiguous states and the discovery of solid minerals in some local government areas of the state and called for proactive steps to ensure peace and security in troubled areas.
Governor Alia applauded the troops of the NA, sister services, and other security agencies for their sacrifices in combating security challenges, urging them not to relent.
