From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
To commemorate the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, (AFRDC), Benue state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia as well as his deputy, Sam Ode, the Tor Tiv, HRM Professor James Ayatse, the Och’Idoma, HRM Elaigwu Ogbodo, on Monday paid respect to honour the nation’s forces both the living and the dead.
The Governor represented by the Deputy, Dr Sam Ode, in company of the Speaker, members of the Benue House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, Service Chiefs and the diplomatic corps, performed the solemn laying of wreaths at the foot of the unknown soldiers at the IBB Square in Makurdi.
After giving the soldiers a 21 gun salutes, Governor Alia, charged everyone in the society to ensure that those who served in the country’s Armed forces are well taken care of.
He said there was need to improve the welfare for ex-service men and wives of fallen heroes in Benue state.
According to him, meeting the needs of those who have put their lives in line of duty to keep the country safe, is the only way they can forget their ugly moments while in service.
He called for prayers for the families of the deceased officers, saying their bravery and sacrifices have ensured the rest of the citizens of the country are safe.
The governor who described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a day to honour the services and unwavering commitment of the Armed forces to the security of the country, charged the people to use the occasion to ensure peace within the state and the country, as a mark of honour to the fallen heroes.
The Governor also carried out inspection of 251 personnel on parade in commemoration of the Day.
Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh represented by the Majority leader, Saater Tiseer, promised to enact a law that would takes care of the welfare of families of the fallen heroes in the state.
Mr Dajoh expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the military in safeguarding the territorial sovereignty of the nation, pointing out that without their selfless sacrifices, activities of criminals would have overwhelm the country going by the present security situation in some areas.
Chairman, Nigerian Legion of Ex-Service men in Benue State, Sebastian Adawa, called on the Federal Government to establish a commission to improve the living condition of the veterans and families of fallen heroes while the
Coordinator, Military Widows, Benue State chapter, Mrs Dorcas Akase, noted that life has not been easy without their husbands.
She thanked the Governor for intervening in their welfare, as she sought for more support from the citizens of Benue.