Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has met with a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force, as well as representatives of Ugondo and Mbaivur, to deliberate on ways to peacefully resolve the lingering land dispute between Air Force and the two communities.
In his address during the meeting on Wednesday in Makurdi, Alia said he was pleased to host the warring factions, stating that peacefully resolving the dispute around the area will attract more Federal Government presence, thereby bringing more development to the state.
Alia, who appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, for his efforts to ensure that the standing dispute is resolved, reiterated his administration’s readiness to continue to press and ensure that more developmental projects are brought to the state.
The governor, who also visited the area after the meeting, promised to construct a road that will link up to the borders of Makurdi and Gwer-West, and up to the Gwer-West boundary with Gboko Local government, in order to make the communities more accessible.
He added that the road would serve as a permanent boundary between the natives and the Air force.
Earlier in his address, the leader of the delegation and the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Nigerian Air Force, Makurdi, AVM F O Edahosa, noted that efforts were made in the past to resolve the land dispute, to no avail.
He said the Chief of Air Staff has also shown interest in the resolution of the case, considering how strategic Benue is, and is willing to ensure that the dispute is amicably resolved.
He appreciated the governor for his tireless efforts and desire to ensure peace in the state, pointing to some of the meetings the governor has held with different security heads since he assumed office.
Responding, the Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Clement Kurugh, as well as Amir Ishor, the representative of the Ter Makurdi, all appreciated the governor and the Chief of Air Staff for wading into the existing land demarcation dispute, saying they trust the governor’s efforts to resolve the issue and bring a lasting solution.
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