Benue, Arewa youths hail Tinubu over new Army Division in Makurdi

The Tiv Youth Council Worldwide (TYCW)  and Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), on Friday, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the creation of the 5 Division, Nigerian Army, with headquarters in Makurdi, Benue state.

The groups gave the commendation during a joint peaceful rally in Makurdi, describing the new division as a “significant intervention to strengthen security and restore peace across the state and the North-central region.”

the Secretary of the Tiv Youth Council Worldwide, Emmanuel Katseen, said the development was particularly significant, given years of insecurity in the state, including armed attacks, kidnapping, banditry, militia activities and communal conflicts.

Katseen noted that the division would strengthen military command and control, improve rapid response to security threats, protect farming communities and create opportunities for youth recruitment and empowerment in the Army.

He added that the new formation could stimulate socio-economic development through improved infrastructure and increased economic activities, while supporting the restoration of farming in Benue, the Food Basket of the Nation.

Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Muhammad, described the establishment of the division as “historic,” saying Benue had moved from hosting military brigades to having a full Army division.

Muhammad urged the federal government to, therefore, provide adequate funding and modern equipment for the new division, while calling on its General Officer Commanding (GCO) to maintain close engagement with the people, particularly youths.