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.
The Governor 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.
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 system and restore public confidence.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, the Governor assured that the Benue State Government would provide land for all the approved military formations and units, promising also to provide the logistics needed to ensure the smooth takeoff 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, expressing appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the decision.
According to him, the people of Benue had long looked forward to a stronger military presence in the state because of the security challenges they have faced over the years, emphasizing that the new division would help change the state’s security situation for the better.
He paid tribute to officers and soldiers who have lost their lives while defending the country and praised security personnel serving in Benue for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
The Governor also used the opportunity to congratulate Major General M. K. Gara, on his appointment as the pioneer General Officer Commanding of the 5 Division, assured him of the state government’s continued cooperation with the Nigerian Army.
The Army Headquarters 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.
