Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for the establishment of a naval base in the state to boost security.
He said the base would foster closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the state.
Alia requested for a Nigerian Navy Type A Operation Base in Makurdi during a visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, in Abuja at the weekend.
The governor lamented the security challenges confronting the state, saying many communities are under siege, people are living in fear and threatened by criminal elements, particularly armed herders and bandits.
He said the criminals exploited the absence of security along Benue waterways to infiltrate and perpetrate heinous crimes against innocent residents.
Alia said: “The situation demands urgent action, and it is in this spirit of urgency that I am here to appeal to the Nigerian Navy to consider establishing a Type “A” Operational Base in Makurdi, Benue State, along the River Benue.
“Such a strategic move is not just a necessity, but a moral imperative to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens and to restore peace and security to our communities.”
He said the river, though an inland waterway is critical to Nigeria’s drive towards maximizing her Blue Economy potentials and enhancing national development.
The governor said an enhanced security along River Benue and the adjoining coastal communities and waterways is critical to achieving the developmental aspiration.
He lamented that the security situation along the river and its adjoining communities has largely remained volatile due to the absence of operational Naval presence along the River.
Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff appreciated the governor for the visit and thanked him for providing land for them for smooth operations in the state, and assured of his visit and support to tackle the insecurity challenges in the state.
