Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has declared that terrorists and other criminal elements terrorising communities across the state must leave, insisting that his administration will continue security operations until peace is fully restored.
The governor made the strong declaration during an unscheduled inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he linked improved security to the success of Benue’s agricultural and economic development plans.
According to Alia, protecting lives and securing farmlands remain the top priorities of his administration, stressing that farmers must be able to cultivate their land without fear if Benue is to maintain its position as Nigeria’s food basket.
“My priority is to protect my people and safeguard our lands so that our farmers can continue feeding the nation while boosting the economy of Benue and Nigeria,” the governor stated.
He vowed to intensify the enforcement of security measures and relevant laws to ensure that armed groups responsible for attacks on communities are completely driven out of the state.
“Terrorists must leave the state. We shall continue to fight them until they leave our land. Nobody will take Benue land,” Alia declared.
The governor warned that continued insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba and Cross River, poses a serious threat to agriculture and could undermine efforts to revive the state-owned Taraku Mills.
During the inspection, engineers demonstrated the progress of the rehabilitation project by powering several refurbished machines. Alia expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, saying the facility is expected to begin operations soon.
He also encouraged farmers, particularly those cultivating soybeans, maize and groundnuts, to increase production in preparation for the mill’s reopening, noting that the project will boost agricultural processing, create employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
Governor Alia added that ongoing reforms by both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government have started yielding positive economic results, expressing optimism that improved security and investments in agriculture will further strengthen the state’s economy.
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