Insecurity: Gov Alia wants Army Chief, Lt. Gen Lagbaja to Establsh Forward Operations Bases in Benue LGAs; Give us Combat Enablers, Good Infrastructure to Mobilize troops for Quick Response – COAS.

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia has called on the Nigerian Army to establish Forward Operations Bases in about 10 local government areas of the state to help checkmate banditry, farmers/herders clashes as well as the violent activities of militias entering the country from Cameroon.

Father Alia made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja at Army headquarters on Tuesday in Abuja.

The governor said, “Benue State and its people are agrarian people and farming is our main stay. However, the most fertile parts of the Benue Valley within the state in particular are becoming inaccessible to farmers due to the threats of bandits and violence from armed herders.

“Now as we speak, at least two to five or more people are killed every week as a result of violence from these gangs and groups, which in some cases the media do not capture,

“The 401 Special Forces Brigade are trying their best by deploying to and remaining on the main roads most number of times while killings continue to take place in the hinterland. But we need troops deployment in the hinterland

“The troops are also hampered by insufficient manpower, the Armoured Personnel Carrier’s and patrol vehicles”.

“Therefore, our prayers to you is for Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) to be established in some Local government areas to checkmate this security challenges. This include Logo LGA, Zaki Biam LGA, Zaka LGA, Ukum LGA, NACA in West and Ponta in Konshisha LGA then Ajiko in Kwande local government area.

“For the long term, we are hoping that a full-fledged Battalion can be established at Ugbema in the short and midterm. Our second prayer is for the 401 Special Forces Brigade and Operation Whirl Stroke which is under the Defence headquarters to be provided with additional manpower and armored personnel carriers and patrol vehicles to improve their reach.

“As a government, we’re willing to provide you some shelters for the Forward Operation Bases and some logistics.

Explaining further, why insecurity thrive in the state, Fr. Alia said, “It is our hope that although you may be stretched, Benue is quite special because of the many crossing points of the River Benue which leads to crisis and attacks in several local governments areas

“Benue state also share boundary with the Cameroon and threats from across the border occasioned by the discovery of solid minerals in those areas and local governments are likely to exacerbate the security situation in those areas.

“It is therefore important that proactive steps be taken by establishing an infantry battalion at Ugbema to cover that general area.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Lagbaja while noting that he served in Benue state for about 9 years said that as one time Commandervof the 72 Special Forces Brigade, he knows that in the dry season, crisis begins between herders and farmer becausing of the crossing points of River Benue.

“We are reviewing the situation in Benue state. We will do our best to ensure lasting peace in the state. We are also looking at Nasarawa and Taraba states.We want to prevent movement of armed militias. Army headquarters will assist 401 Special Forces Brigade with additional manpower.

On the establishment of FOBs, the COAS said, “Presently, I have 100 forward operations bases in the country. The challenge of funding is there. I need to sustain the troops when I deploy them. I sustain these FOBs based on what I get from the federal goverment. Currently, I am discussing with the National Assembly and the federal government on the need for more funds. Once i improves, we will go ahead.

He added, “The offcycle elections are coming up in the next few weeks. Once this is done withvand over, we will turn our attention to Benue state. We are regularlyvreviewing our order of battle to meet the threats posture in the country and Benue will not bevan exception.

“But if we have combat enablers and good infrastructure like good roads in Makurdi, we can mobilize troops on short notice to trouble spots for effective interventions.

Gen Lagbaja further called on the people of Benue state to offer intelligence to security agencies to effectively perform the duties.