The General Officer Commanding 82 division Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Abubakar on Wednesday paid a visit to 77 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi in connection with the latest security challenges in Benue state that saw the killing of two priests and several others by rampaging herdsmen.
A statement last night by Colonel Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said, “The GOC was briefed on the general security situation in the state by the Commanding officer of the battalion, Lt. Col. SS Mohammed.
“Thereafter, the GOC and his entourage visited the Commissioner of Police, Benue state, CP Fatai Owoseni, where he was further briefed on the security situation in the state.
“After the visits, the GOC used the occasion to visit and interact with the Deputy Governor of Benue state, Engr. Benson Abionu on the current security situation in the state.
“In his remarks during the visit, the Deputy Governor commended the Nigerian Army for the good work they are doing in different parts of the state.
“He informed the GOC that in his address to the people of the Naka community earlier in the day, he emphasized on the need for peaceful co-existence and the necessity for having Nigerian Army personnel in Benue communities.
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The Deputy Governor said, “As a responsible government, we are investigating the Naka incident, attack on the Church and the latest deaths recorded in many areas of the state. If we find anybody incriminated, we will deal with such a person”.
Responding, the GOC said, ‘I am in the state on the instruction of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai to interact with field Commanders and other heads of security agencies in Benue state with the aim of getting further credible situation report on the rising security challenges in the state with the view to checkmating the problems.
‘I wish to thank you, good people of Benue state for appreciating the Nigerian army, as well as inform you that I am visiting Naka village where there are reported security breach”.
While in Naka, the GOC was received by the Chairman Gwer West LGA, Mr. Francisyagah. Mr. Ayagah conducted the GOC and his team round the troubled mud houses and the shallow grave of a murdered soldier.
Gen. Abubakar assured the government, Naka community and the entire good people of Benue state of the readiness of the Nigerian army to protect lives and properties of the people of the state.
In the entourage of the GOC were the Commanders of Military Intelligence brigade and 82 division Provost group, Colonels KN Nwoko and AT Bitiyoung respectively.
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