The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen AB Abubakar has paid a visit to 77 Special Forces Battallion in Makurdi today Wednesday the 26th of April, 2018 in connection with the latest security challenges in Benue State.
The GOC was briefed on the general security situation in the State by the Commanding Officer of the Battallion Lt Col SS Mohammed. Thereafter, the GOC and his entourage visited the Commissioner of Police Benue State Mr Fatai A Owoseni where he was further briefed on the security situation in the state.
Afterwards, General Abubakar used the opportunity to visit and interact with the Deputy Governor of Benue State Engineer Benson Abionu on the current security situation in the state.
In his remarks during the visit, the Deputy Governor commended the Nigerian Army for the good work they are doing in different parts of the state. He informed the GOC that in his address to the people of Naka community earlier today, he emphasized on the need for peaceful coexistence and the necessity for having Nigerian Army personnel in Benue communities.
“As a responsible government, we are investigating the Naka incident, attack on the church and the latest deaths recorded in many areas of the state, if we find anybody incriminated, we will deal with such a person” Engineer Benson stated.
In his response, General Abubakar informed the Deputy Governor: “I am in the state on the instruction of the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai to interact with the field commanders and other heads of security agencies in Benue State with the aim of getting further credible situation report on the rising security challenges in the state with the view to checkmating the problems… I wish to thank you, government and good people of Benue State for appreciating the Nigerian Army, as well as to inform you that Iam visiting Naka village where there was reported security breach”.
While in Naka, the GOC was received by the Chairman Gwer West Local Government Area Mr Francis Ayagah. Mr Ayagah conducted the GOC and his team round the troubled mud houses and the shallow grave of a murdered soldier. Gen Abubakar assured the government, Naka community and the entire good people of Benue State of the readiness of the Nigerian Army to protect lives and properties of the people of the state.
In the entourage of the GOC were the Commanders of Military Intelligence Brigade and 82 Division Provost Group Colonels KN Nwoko and AT Bitiyong respectively.
