Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has vowed to prioritize state security and protect agricultural land to ensure lasting stability. During an unannounced tour of the state-owned Taraku Mills in Gwer East, he emphasized that restoring order is vital for the factory’s success and for maintaining Benue’s role as the nation’s primary food provider. The Governor declared that those threatening the state’s security must leave, adding that his administration will rigorously enforce the law to protect local farmers.
The governor expressed concern that ongoing conflict in Benue and nearby states like Nasarawa, Cross River, Kogi, and Taraba could hinder agricultural production, which is necessary to supply the mill with soybeans, maize, and groundnuts. Despite these challenges, engineers have made significant progress in rehabilitating the dormant facility, with recent tests showing machines returning to functional status.
Alia encouraged local farmers to ramp up their crop production in anticipation of the plant’s reopening. He noted that the revival of Taraku Mills is expected to stimulate the economy, generate employment, and strengthen agricultural value chains. Furthermore, the Governor acknowledged the host community’s role in preventing vandalism during the factory’s years of inactivity and praised the engineers for their dedication to the project.
