Alia vows to flush out terrorists, links Benue security to revival of Taraku Mills
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has vowed to sustain the fight against terrorists, saying restoring security across the state is critical to protecting farmlands, reviving industries and strengthening the state’s economy.
The governor said his administration would continue to enforce relevant laws and intensify operations against criminal groups until they are driven out of the state.
Alia spoke during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area, where he assessed ongoing maintenance work aimed at restoring the long-abandoned state-owned processing company.
According to him, the success of the planned revival of the multi-billion naira mill depends largely on farmers being able to cultivate their lands without fear.
“My priority is to protect my people and safeguard our lands so they can continue farming. Terrorists must leave the state. We shall fight them until they leave our state. Nobody will take Benue land,” he said.
The governor noted that Benue farmers have the capacity to supply the factory with soybeans, maize and groundnuts, but warned that persistent insecurity in Benue and neighbouring Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba states could undermine efforts to restore the facility to full production.
During the inspection, engineers handling the rehabilitation powered several refurbished machines to demonstrate the progress made so far. Alia expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, saying it remained on course for production to commence within a short period.
He urged farmers across the state, particularly those cultivating soybeans, maize and groundnuts, to expand production ahead of the factory’s reopening, assuring them of a ready market for their produce once operations begin.
