Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship election in Benue State, Professor Sebastine Hon SAN has questioned the Federal Government’s decision to establish an Army battalion in Gboko, asking if it is the most strategic location given the state’s security challenges.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Prof. Hon raised what he called “questions begging for answers” following the announcement of the new military formation in Gboko.
The legal luminary asked, “Why should an Army Brigade be sited in Gboko that has not witnessed terrorism, instead of it being sited in one of the well known flashpoints, namely: Sankera, Zone C, Gwer and Lobi or Turan area – for rapid response?”
The post triggered wide reactions from Benue people on Facebook, with many agreeing with Prof. Hon while others offered counter perspectives.
Sly Tiza questioned the rationale behind new formations when existing ones have not delivered results: “What happened to the ones we have on ground? We have army barracks in Makurdi.
“Was it not the same location Fulani are always coming to perpetuate crime?
“What is their benefit of building more army formation in our land when the one we have can’t give us maximum support?”
Another user, Gbera Aondowase alleged a sinister motive: “It’s a deliberate effort to conquer the Tiv nation and deliver it to our killer.
“Otherwise we have several military formations including the Air Force base yet no serious efforts are made to protect our people.
“They have rather added more salt to our injuries. We are looking forward to your rescue mission in 2027.”
Abur Abraham posted: “I also believe the Army barracks would be more useful in the flashpoints of terrorism in Benue state.”
However, Konduon Avalumin offered a different view, arguing from a logistics standpoint: “Sir, I will bring my common man knowledge to the reason why Gboko may be considered as the brigade headquarters.
“A brigade consists of three battalions and above. Sitting the headquarters in Gboko will give easy access to the battalions… since Gboko is at the center and is closer to Makurdi with an airport and Air Force base.
“With this, we can have a battalion in Oturkpo, Jato Aka, Anyiim and Tor Donga.”
Benue State has continued to battle armed herders’ attacks, with Sankera, Gwer West, Kwande, Logo, Agatu, Otukpo and other LGAs classified as major flashpoints.
As the 2027 elections approach, security remains a dominant issue in political discourse in the state.
Report by: Sebastine Tar. Hon Media Center
