Benue Insecurity: Army Proposes Siting Of Barracks In Ukum LGA

The Army Headquarters Implementation Committee for the establishment of the newly approved Nigerian Army formations in Benue State has proposed siting of barracks at Aterayange Torov, Ukum Local government area to tackle the persistent security challenges in the area.

Speaking during the inspection visit to Ukum,
the team led by Maj. Gen. Raymond T. Utsaha, in accompany of the Pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 5 Division, Maj. Gen. M. K. Gara, expressed confidence that the proposed Army barracks at Aterayange would significantly improve the security across Ukum.

He explained that while the main barracks would be located at Aterayange, additional military units would be strategically deployed to communities such as Borikyo, Mbazun, Ugbaam, Uyam, Kundav, Mbatian, and other areas affected by insecurity.

Utsaha said the initiative was designed to enhance military presence, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment that will foster peace, agricultural productivity, and sustainable development.

On his part, Chairman Ukum Local Government Council, Hon. Jonathan Modi , who led the Army Committee to Aterayange in Torov, said the proposed site for the establishment of an Army Barracks would address the recurrent security threats facing the area.

In a statement issued by the chairman’s media aide, Samuel Terkuma Atsua,
Modi emphasised the urgent need to strengthen security across the local government, noting that insecurity has significantly affected farming activities and reduced agricultural productivity by an estimated 70 per cent.

Modi added that the establishment of the Army Barracks would provide lasting security across the entire Ukum Local Government Area, enabling residents to return safely to their farming activities and livelihoods.