‘Terrorists must leave Benue’ – Alia vows fresh offensive against insecurity

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has vowed that his administration will continue its fight against insecurity, insisting that criminals threatening the state must be driven out.

Alia made the declaration during an unscheduled inspection visit to the Taraku Mills in Gwer East Local Government Area of the state, where he assessed ongoing maintenance work aimed at reviving the dormant agricultural company.

The governor said protecting lives, securing farmlands and restoring peace remained critical to unlocking Benue’s agricultural potential and returning the state-owned mill to full production.

“My priority is to protect my people and safeguard our lands so they can continue feeding the nation. Terrorists must leave Benue State. We shall continue to enforce the law and pursue them until they are brought to justice. Nobody will take Benue land,” Alia said.

The governor expressed concern that persistent attacks in parts of Benue and neighbouring states, including Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba, could affect agricultural production needed to sustain the revival of Taraku Mills.

He said farmers in Benue had the capacity to supply the factory with key raw materials such as soybeans, maize and groundnuts, but insecurity remained a major threat to farming activities.

Alia said restoring peace across the state was necessary for the successful return of the multi-billion-naira facility, which has remained inactive for several years.

During the inspection, engineers working on the rehabilitation project tested some of the machines that had undergone repairs, a development the governor described as a sign of progress towards full restoration of operations.

He expressed confidence that production would begin soon, urging farmers across the state to increase cultivation ahead of the mill’s expected take-off.

According to him, the revival of Taraku Mills would strengthen Benue’s agricultural value chain, create employment opportunities and boost the state’s economy.

Alia also commended the engineers handling the project and members of the host community for protecting the facility from vandalism during the years it remained inactive.

He described the community as disciplined and committed to ensuring