The Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Sir Tersoo Kula, has clarified the process behind the decision to site military operation units in the Sankera area, describing it as a deliberate choice guided by the governor.
Responding to criticisms and questions over his earlier statement on the “operation units of the military in Sankera,” Kula explained that there is an understanding between the federal government and states that when an institution, agency or project is to be sited in a state, the state determines the location, handles compensations, and secures the sites and workers.
He noted that when a military formation was announced for Benue, military authorities met with the governor and state leadership to discuss modalities and locations. As the chief security officer of the state, Governor Alia pointed out areas of concern and decided where the units would be located to ensure proper protection.
Kula stressed that the governor and military authorities adhered strictly to this understanding. Alia made inputs and decided the sites within the state. The state, under the governor’s direction, provides the land, compensation and other logistics.
He dismissed criticisms from individuals such as Obed Samir Dam, stating that such commentators had little or no idea on the subject and were entitled to their opinions.
“Thanks and I hope this clarification meets you well,” Kula concluded.
