No terrorist will take Benue land, says Alia as he moves to revive Taraku Oil Mills

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has reiterated that the protection of lives, property and the security of the state’s territory remains the foremost priority of his administration, declaring that terrorists operating within the state will be driven out to pave the way for sustainable development.

The governor made the declaration on Friday during an inspection visit to the Taraku Oil Mills Factory in Gwer East Local Government Area, where expatriate engineers are carrying out extensive repairs aimed at restoring the state-owned industrial facility to full production after years of inactivity.

Speaking during the inspection, Governor Alia expressed deep concern over the persistent security challenges confronting Benue and neighbouring states, stressing that no meaningful development could thrive in an atmosphere of violence and fear.

He maintained that his administration would continue to deploy every legitimate means to safeguard communities, protect farmlands and ensure that citizens carry out their daily activities without intimidation.

“There cannot be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of chaos. Our people must be able to farm freely, not only to feed the nation but also to boost the state’s economy and improve internally generated revenue,” the governor said.

Governor Alia declared that his administration would not relent until terrorists are completely driven out of Benue State.

“That is why I am serious and not blinking at all over the issue of insecurity in my state. Terrorists must leave the state. We shall fight them until they leave our state. Nobody will take Benue land,” he stated emphatically.

He explained that while Benue farmers possess the capacity to produce sufficient soybeans, maize and other agricultural commodities required to sustain the Taraku Oil Mills, insecurity remains a major obstacle to agricultural productivity.

According to him, if farmers in Benue and neighbouring states such as Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi and Taraba are unable to cultivate their farms because of insecurity, efforts to revive the multi-billion-naira factory could be undermined.

During the visit, the expatriate engineers handling the rehabilitation powered several of the repaired machines at the governor’s request, demonstrating the significant progress already made towards restoring the factory to full operational capacity.

Governor Alia expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of the rehabilitation work, noting that the repairs remained on schedule and aligned with the earlier projection for the commencement of production in the near future.

He described the revival of the Taraku Oil Mills as one of his administration’s strategic economic initiatives aimed at restoring industrial activities, creating jobs and adding value to Benue’s agricultural produce.

The governor called on farmers across the state, particularly those engaged in the cultivation of soybeans, maize and groundnuts, to increase production in anticipation of the factory’s resumption of operations.

He explained that once fully operational, the factory would provide a ready market for agricultural produce, establish a robust value chain for soybean and maize production, stimulate commercial farming, create employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.

Governor Alia further noted that Benue’s economy has already begun witnessing remarkable improvements through the economic reforms being implemented by both the Federal Government and his administration over the past three years.

He commended the expatriate engineers for their professionalism, commitment and dedication to restoring the factory, expressing confidence that the project would soon be completed.

The governor also praised members of the Taraku host community for protecting the facility from vandalism and theft throughout the years it remained inactive.

He described the community members as disciplined, responsible and committed partners whose support had been instrumental in preserving the factory for its eventual revival.

The Benue State Government is currently undertaking the resuscitation of the once-thriving Taraku Oil Mills, a multi-billion-naira industrial establishment that has remained dormant for several years, with expectations that its return to operation will significantly boost industrialisation, agricultural productivity and economic growth across the state.