Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has declared that his administration’s priority is to protect the people of the state and secure their lands for farming, stressing that safeguarding agricultural activities is critical to sustaining food production and boosting the economy.
The governor said he would not relent in the fight against insecurity until terrorists are driven out of Benue, adding that his government would continue enforcing relevant laws and pursuing criminal elements in their hideouts to ensure they face justice.
According to a statement issued on Friday, Alia made the remarks during an unscheduled visit to Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he inspected ongoing maintenance work at the state-owned multi-billion-naira company.
Expressing satisfaction with the level of progress recorded, the governor lamented that although Benue farmers have the capacity to provide sufficient raw materials for the factory, persistent insecurity in Benue and neighbouring states such as Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba could undermine efforts to revive the company.
“That is why I am serious and not blinking at all over the issue of insecurity in my state. Terrorists MUST leave the state. We shall fight them until they leave our state for us. Nobody will take Benue land,”
During the inspection, engineers servicing the machines powered several units whose maintenance had been completed and demonstrated their functionality as evidence of significant progress toward restoring the
factory to full operational capacity.
The governor noted that the maintenance work was encouraging and aligned with earlier projections that production could commence within a short period.
Alia said his administration was committed to resuscitating Taraku Mills, which has remained dormant for several years, and called on farmers across the state, particularly those cultivating soybeans, maize and groundnuts, to increase production in preparation for supplying the factory once full operations begin.
According to him, the revival of the mill will create a strong value chain around soybeans and maize, stimulate agricultural activities, generate employment opportunities and further strengthen the state’s economy.
He added that Benue’s economy had already begun to improve through reforms introduced by both the Federal Government and his administration over the past three years.
The governor also commended the engineers handling the maintenance works for their dedication and professionalism, while appreciating the host community for protecting the factory from vandalism and theft over the years.
He described members of the community as disciplined, responsible and committed to the success of the project.