Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has pledged the full support of his administration for the establishment of the newly approved Nigerian Army formations in the state, including the construction and furnishing of the headquarters of the new 5 Division.
He made the commitment on Tuesday when he received a delegation from the Army Headquarters Implementation Committee at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.
Governor Alia described the establishment of the military formations as a major step towards improving security in Benue, expressing confidence that the development would strengthen the state’s security architecture and restore public confidence.
He assured that the Benue State Government would provide land for all approved military formations and units, promising to provide the logistics required to ensure the smooth take-off of the new division.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the new Army formations and for locating the headquarters of the 5 Division in Benue State, while expressing appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the decision.
Governor Alia said the people of Benue had long looked forward to a stronger military presence in the state because of the security challenges they had faced over the years, emphasising that the new division would help improve the security situation.
He paid tribute to officers and soldiers who had lost their lives while defending the country and praised security personnel serving in Benue for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia used the opportunity to congratulate Major General M. K. Gara on his appointment as the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 5 Division, assuring him of the state government’s continued cooperation with the Nigerian Army.
The Army Headquarters Implementation Committee is in Benue to implement the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of new military formations and units.
The visit is expected to pave the way for the take-off of the new 5 Division and other approved military units in the state.
The team was led by Major General Raymond T. Utsaha and was accompanied by the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 5 Division, Major General M. K. Gara.