From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Tiv Youth Council Worldwide and the Arewa Youth Assembly have commended President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the creation of the 5 Division of the Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Makurdi, Benue State.
The groups gave the commendation on Friday, during a joint peaceful rally organised by Civil Society Organizations to appreciate the Federal Government for establishing the new Army division in the state.
The Secretary of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide, Emmanuel Katseen, said the creation of the division was a historic and strategic intervention capable of addressing the persistent security challenges confronting Benue and other parts of the North Central region.
According to the council, Benue has for decades faced armed attacks, kidnappings, banditry, militia activities and communal conflicts, resulting in the loss of lives and property, displacement of communities and disruption of farming activities.
The group said the security situation had also threatened Benue’s position as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” as many farmers had been forced to abandon their ancestral farmlands because of insecurity.
The group therefore applauded President Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 5 Division, describing the decision as evidence of the President’s commitment to improving the security and welfare of Nigerians.
The council also commended the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for what it described as strategic leadership and a people-oriented approach to addressing the security realities of Benue State.
It expressed optimism that the new division would strengthen military command and control in Benue and the North Central region, improve rapid response to security threats and emergencies, and provide better protection for farming communities.
The Tiv Youth Council further said the development could help restore agricultural activities, create opportunities for youth recruitment and empowerment in the Nigerian Army, and stimulate socio-economic development through improved security and infrastructure.
The council pledged its support and cooperation to the new division and other security agencies, promising to encourage credible intelligence sharing, mobilize youths to embrace peace, promote harmonious civil-military relations and discourage the harbouring or protection of criminals.
It also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organizations and residents of Benue and the North Central region to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace.
Similarly, the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Muhammad, described the creation of the 5 Division as a major development in the history of the Nigerian Army and Benue State.
Muhammad said the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions and the establishment of a full division in Benue had elevated the state from hosting brigades to commanding a full Army division.
He described the development as a demonstration that President Tinubu was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises on security, adding that the new division had the potential to protect not only Benue but neighbouring states, including Nasarawa and Kogi.
However, the Arewa Youth Assembly called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and modern equipment for the 5 Division to enable it confront the numerous security challenges in the region effectively.
Muhammad also urged the General Officer Commanding the new division to work closely with the people of Benue state, particularly youths, while assuring the Army of continued support from the Arewa Youth Assembly and other stakeholders in the quest to restore peace and protect the state’s agricultural economy.
The Youths who marched from the State Library near Wurukum roundabout into town were seen bearing placards with several inscriptions like, “5 Divisions, A Dream Realized,” “Benue is Whole Again,” “Grateful Hearts, United Voices,” “The Long Wait is Over. Thank You,” “From Makurdi to The World, We Appreciate You, “President Tinubu, Our Hero.”
Others include “Benue Youth Groups Celebrate The 5 Divisions with One Voice,” “A New Dawn of Peace, Thank You President Tinubu,” “The Food Basket of the Nation Says Thank You,” “One People , One Division, One Joy,” among others.
(The Sun)