By Udesinanna Stephen
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has said troops’ would be flooded into Benue State to halt the illicit activities of bandits, Armed herders and other militia groups in the state before the end of 2023.
The Army Chief made this known recently in a response to a call by the Benue State Governor, Reverend Father (Dr) Hycinth Alia, who sought an additional Battalion and Forward Operations Bases in Benue State, during the later’s visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
As obtained from the Nigeria Army X handle @HQNigerianarmy, Gen Lagbaja said, “The NA is reviewing the activities and threat disposition in Benue, stated that the intervention becomes necessary due to the recalcitrance of Herders and Farmers, who incessantly attack each other and vulnerable communities in Benue and contiguous states. He also called on the Government and people of Benue state to support NA’s non-kinetic operations to complement the NA efforts in bringing lasting peace and stability to the state.
He commended the Governor for his support and interventions to troops deployed in the state, adding that Combat enablers will be provided to enhance the capacity of the formation and units deployed in and around the state for effective operations.