Alia Pledges Support for New Army Division Take-Off In Benue

Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has pledged the full support of his administration for the establishment of the newly approved Nigerian Army formations in the state.

Alia said the support included the construction and furnishing of the new headquarters for the 5th Division.

The governor made the commitment yesterday when he received a delegation from the Army Headquarters Implementation Committee, at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.    In his address, 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 system and restore public confidence.

In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia said the e state government would provide land for all the approved military formations and units.

He promised to also provide the logistics needed to ensure the smooth takeoff of the 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 had faced over the years, emphasising that the Division would help improve the state’s security situation. ‎ ‎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, assuring 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 to establish new military formations and units.  ‎

‎The visit is expected to pave the way for the takeoff of the new 5th 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.