..hold joint peaceful rally
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Tiv Youth Council, TYC, Worldwide and the Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA, have commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the creation of the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the development as a major boost to security in the North Central region.
The youth groups gave the commendation on Friday, during a joint peaceful rally organised in Makurdi to appreciate President Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the establishment of the new Army division.
In an address delivered on behalf of the TYC Worldwide, its Secretary, Emmanuel Katseen, said the creation of the division was a significant response to years of security challenges confronting Benue communities.
Katseen said the state had endured armed attacks, kidnappings, banditry, militia activities and communal conflicts, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and disruption of agricultural activities.
According to him, “for decades, Benue State has faced serious security challenges, including armed attacks, kidnappings, banditry, militia activities and communal conflicts. These have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement and disruption of farming activities, threatening our status as the Food Basket of the Nation.”
He said the TYC had consistently advocated stronger security measures to protect communities and enable displaced residents to return to their homes and farms, describing President Tinubu’s approval of the 5 Division as evidence of his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of Nigerians, while also commending the military leadership for strengthening security operations in the region.
He said the new division would strengthen military command and control in Benue and the North Central, improve rapid response to security threats, protect farming communities and facilitate the restoration of agricultural activities.
The Tiv youth leader also expressed optimism that the division would create opportunities for youth recruitment and empowerment in the Nigerian Army, while stimulating socio-economic development through improved infrastructure and increased economic activities.
The council pledged its cooperation with the new division and other security agencies, promising to support credible intelligence sharing, mobilise youths to embrace peace and discourage the harbouring or protection of criminals.
It also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations and residents across Benue and the North Central region to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Muhammad, described the creation of the 5 Division as a historic development and a demonstration of political will by the Tinubu administration.
Muhammad, who spoke at the rally, said the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the establishment of the 5 Division in Benue represented a major elevation of the state’s strategic importance in the country’s security architecture.
“Today is not a day for long grammar, but for loud gratitude, for the expansion of the Nigerian Army, from eight to 12 divisions and the establishment of the 5th Division in Benue State by President Tinubu,” he said.
According to him, Benue had historically hosted Army brigades but had now been elevated to the status of a full division headquarters, describing the development as evidence that the President was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises, particularly on security.
Muhammad said the strategic location of the division would enable it to respond not only to security threats in Benue but also to challenges in neighbouring Nasarawa and Kogi states, as well as other parts of the North Central.
While urging the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and modern military equipment to enable the new division to discharge its responsibilities effectively, he said, “we must also add our voices to call on the President to ensure adequate funding for this new Division and the provision of modern equipment to aid its work.
The Arewa youth leader, who expressed confidence that the presence of the new division would contribute significantly to tackling insecurity in the region and restoring public confidence, also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff for their leadership, courage, experience and expertise in military operations, saying their efforts had placed the country on a path of renewed confidence.
Muhammad further charged the General Officer Commanding the new 5 Division to maintain close engagement with the people of Benue, particularly the youths, and ensure that the host community remained an important partner in the division’s operation. “Carry the people of Benue along as your host community, especially the youths, and act always in their best interest,” he added.
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