The Executive Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area and Benue State ALGON Chairman, Rt. Hon. Vitalis Terhile Neji, earlier today led the Army Headquarters Committee on the Establishment of Army Barracks on an inspection visit to the proposed site at Imande Dura, Moon Council Ward in Turan District, Kwande LGA.
The delegation was led by the Team Lead from Army Headquarters, Brig. Gen. K.O. Bukoye, who also serves as Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade and Commander, Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke. Rt. Hon. Terhile noted that his sustained efforts to address insecurity in Kwande attracted the attention of both the State and Federal Governments, resulting in the decision to site the barracks in Kwande and specifically in Turan District.
He expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for their intervention and consideration. He further urged community leaders to cooperate with the committee during and after the inspection to ensure the speedy delivery of the project.
Addressing Turan Traditional Rulers, the ALGON Chairman emphasized that the establishment of the Army Barracks would not only restore peace to the Turan community but also strengthen security across Kwande LGA, help tame the insecurity that has disrupted farming and household activities, and bring considerable development to the community. Speaking on behalf of the Turan community, TUDA President Mr. Ahaa Bichi appreciated the Kwande LGC Chairman, Governor Alia and President Tinubu for prioritizing their security concerns at this critical time. On behalf of Turan leaders, he endorsed the position that the barracks be sited at Imande Dura.
Also addressing the community on behalf of the committee, Maj. Gen. Raymond T. Utsaha and Maj. Gen. M.K. Gara, pioneer General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, expressed confidence that the proposed barracks would significantly improve security in Kwande and other parts of Benue State. Maj. Gen. Utsaha, who oversees the implementation of new Divisions in three states including Benue, briefed traditional rulers and stakeholders on the benefits of the Division to the community and the state. He called for collaboration from elders and traditional rulers, noting that the President is fully aware of the security situation in Kwande LGA and of the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary.
He pledged the Army’s commitment to expedite the project, stating that following the inspection which commenced immediately, the proposal would receive prompt attention. He assured the community that the barracks would help address security challenges and enable residents to return safely to their homes and farmlands. The persistent security challenges in Kwande LGA have drawn national attention, a development attributed to the proactive leadership of the Chairman, the support of community stakeholders, and the commitment of the Governor Alia-led administration.
