Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has pledged to secure the state’s agricultural landscape by removing all criminal elements. During a surprise visit to evaluate the renovation of Taraku Mills in Gwer East, he emphasized that security is essential to his economic goals.
The governor noted that local farmers must be able to work without threats for the state to reach its agricultural capacity. He promised to enforce strict measures against groups attacking local communities, asserting that his administration will not cease until these threats are removed.
Alia highlighted the dangers posed by insecurity in neighboring regions like Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi, and Taraba, which continue to threaten productivity. He warned that the success of the Taraku Mills project depends on farmers being able to safely access their fields. The governor expressed confidence in the progress of the factory rehabilitation and encouraged local farmers to increase their output of soybeans, maize, and groundnuts.
He concluded that the revival of Taraku Mills is a key strategy for job creation and boosting state revenue, while noting that recent government reforms have already started to drive economic growth.
