Terrorists must leave Benue – Alia declares

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and securing farmlands across the state, declaring that his government will not relent until terrorists are driven out of Benue.

The governor stated this during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he assessed ongoing rehabilitation work at the state-owned agro-processing company.

Alia said restoring security remains central to his administration’s economic agenda, stressing that farmers must be able to cultivate their lands without fear if the state is to realise its agricultural potential.

“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 said.

He vowed to sustain the enforcement of relevant laws and intensify operations against criminal elements, insisting that armed groups responsible for attacks on communities would be rooted out.

“Terrorists must leave the state. We shall continue to fight them until they leave our land. Nobody will take Benue land,” he declared.

Governor Alia noted that although Benue farmers have the capacity to supply Taraku Mills with the raw materials needed for production, persistent insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba, poses a major threat to agricultural productivity.

He warned that reviving the multi-billion naira company would amount to an exercise in futility if farmers were prevented from accessing their farms.

During the inspection, engineers working on the rehabilitation project powered several refurbished machines to demonstrate the progress made so far.

Expressing satisfaction with the pace of work, the governor said the project remained on course for production to commence within a short period.

He urged farmers across the state, particularly those cultivating soybeans, maize and groundnuts, to increase production in preparation for the commencement of operations at the mill.

According to him, the resuscitation of Taraku Mills will strengthen the agricultural value chain, create jobs, stimulate economic activities and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.

Alia also said Benue’s economy had begun recording positive growth through reforms introduced by both the Federal Government and his administration over the past three years.