The Tactical Air Command of  Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Makurdi, and Benue State Government on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 pledged to work in  synergy  towards combating all forms of security challenges confronting the state.


"As a security formation, one of our top priorities is to support the Benue State Government to confront the current security challenge bedeviling the state and the region in particular," the new Air Officer Commanding, AOC, of  the  Command,  AVM Precious Amadi told Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom  when he led a delegation of officers from the Command on  a courtesy call on the Governor the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi.


AVM Amadi expressed the Force's commitment to peaceful coexistence with its host communities in Benue State. especially with regards to issues concerning encroachment on its land.



Dailyledger.com.ng reports that an  agreement was reached in 2020 providing for  NAF,  Makurdi to cede 850 hectares of land out of the disputed land covering four thousand hectares to the Ugondo community.


However, AVM Amadi  told the Governor that there has been further encroachment on the land, especially on the runway by the host community.


He appealed to Gov  Ortom to expedite the process for issuance of a certificate of occupancy to NAF TAC for it to continue construction of perimeter fence to properly secure the land.


He averred that  he had come to pay homage to the Governor as it was customary since assuming posting as the new AOC and pledged readiness of the Command to peacefully coexist with the host community.


AVM Amadi explained to the Governor that the TAC is the fighting arm of the Nigerian Airforce with the main objective to deliver firepower through the air against all adversaries to protect the nation from bandits, terrorists, insurgents and fulfill other security objectives.


Gov. Ortom in his response, urged the Nigerian Air Force not to renege on the agreement to concede the hectares of land contained in the standing peace agreement, brokered by the State Government.


On the complaint from the new AOC on further encroachment on the land belonging to the Command, Gov  Ortom directed the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals to hasten the process for the issuance of certificate of occupancy to NAF.


He stated that he was ready to sign the certificate of occupancy based on the agreement reached with NAF so that issues at stake could be amicably resolved.


The Governor who blamed the ongoing dispute on the ambiguous manner with which lands were allocated by  the early governments, however, expressed readiness that his administration would put the records straight to prevent further altercations between the Airforce and the host community. 


According to the Governor, leaders of the community have already indicated willingness to abide by the standing agreement for peaceful coexistence.


While congratulating AVM Amadi on his elevation as the AOC of the NAF Tactical Air Command, the Governor lauded the military formation for living up to its expectation for the protection of lives and property.


Gov  Ortom maintained that the  new AOC, who had served in the state in different capacities, was already familiar with the terrain to withstand the challenges before him.


The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nathaniel Ikyur, expressed the assurances of the governor  of support from  the State Government to NAF  stating that his administration would continue to work with  the Command and other Federal Government establishments in the state.