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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Following the lingering land crisis between the Nigerian Air Force and their host communities in Benue state, Governor Hyacinth Alia has disclosed his plans to construct access roads around the dispute places to serve as permanent boundary between the natives and the Air force.
Governor Alia stated this on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, when he hosted a delegation from the Nigerian Airforce and representatives of Ugondo and Mbaivur communities of Makurdi and Gwer Local Government Areas of the state respectively.
The meeting was called to deliberated on how to peacefully resolve the lingering land dispute between the Nigerian Airforce and the host communities.
In his address during the meeting, Governor Alia said he was pleased to host the warring factions, stating that peacefully resolving the long standing dispute around the area will attract more federal government presence, thereby bringing more development to the state.
He assured that constructing a road around the areas that will link up to the borders of Makurdi and Gwer-West, and up to the Gwer-West boundary with Gboko Local government, will also make the communities more accessible.
The Governor who appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his efforts to ensure the long standing dispute is resolved, the governor added that his administration is ready to continue to press and ensure that more developmental projects are brought to the state.
Alia, who visited the area after the meeting, promised to construct a road around the area that will link up to the borders of Makurdi and Gwer-West, and up to the Gwer-West boundary with Gboko Local government, in order to make the community more accessible and also for the road to serve as permanent boundary between the natives and the Air force.
Earlier at the meeting, the leader of the delegation and the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Airforce, Makurdi, AVM F O Edahosa, said the meeting became necessary, especially that similar efforts were made in the past to resolve the land dispute, to no avail.
He said the Chief of Air Staff has also shown interest in the resolution of the case, considering how strategic Benue is, and is willing to ensure that the dispute is amicably resolved.
He appreciated Governor Alia for his tireless efforts and desire to ensure peace in the state, pointing to some of the meetings the Governor has held with different security heads in the country since he assumed office.
Responding, the Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Clement Kurugh, as well as the representative of the Ter Makurdi, Amir Ishor, all appreciated the governor and the Chief of Air Staff for wading into the existing land dispute, saying they trust the Governor’s efforts to resolve the issue and bring a lasting solution to it.
A statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, states that all th speakers prayed God to continue to give the Governor the wisdom to continue piloting the affairs of the state.
