So, we are told that Aterayange in Ukum Local Government Area has emerged as the proposed site for a new Nigerian Army 5 Division Barracks. We are assured it will change the security architecture of Sankera, with forward operating bases spread across vulnerable communities.
Wonderful. Nigerians have heard this soundtrack before.
The obvious question is: Will another military barracks actually end insecurity, or are we simply adding another signboard to the landscape?
Benue is not exactly suffering from a shortage of military formations. We already have NASME Barracks and the 72 Special Forces Battalion. Yet armed attacks, kidnappings, and killings have continued to make headlines. If existing formations have not completely solved the problem, what exactly will this new one do differently?
Then comes another uncomfortable question.
The proposed military expansion will inevitably raise concerns among many communities already anxious about land acquisition. Villagers around the Air Force Base have repeatedly accused authorities of attempting to take over their ancestral lands, with legal disputes reportedly still before the courts. Shouldn’t those issues be transparently resolved before announcing another major military project requiring even more land?
Or perhaps this is simply perfect timing.
With elections never too far away in Nigerian politics, one cannot help but wonder: Is this a genuine security intervention by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, or another campaign appetizer served well ahead of the main political meal?
Or could it be another masterstroke from the Reverend Gentleman occupying Government House in Makurdi, who seems to have perfected the art of making announcements that leave citizens debating whether to celebrate immediately or wait for reality to arrive?
After all, in Nigeria, we have become experts at commissioning ideas, launching promises, unveiling signboards, and celebrating projects that are still searching for their first block.
None of this is to oppose stronger security. Sankera deserves peace. Its people deserve to farm without fear, travel without kidnapping, and sleep without gunfire. If a new military formation genuinely delivers that, it will deserve applause from every corner of Benue.
But before the celebrations begin, citizens have every right to ask difficult questions. Security is measured by safer communities—not by the number of ceremonial groundbreaking events.
Until bulldozers arrive, construction begins, troops are deployed, and attacks genuinely reduce, perhaps the most appropriate slogan is:
“We have heard the announcement. Now let us see the action.”
As always in Nigerian politics, time—the only politician that never campaigns—will tell.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They are intended to encourage public discourse and critical thinking on matters of public interest. These opinions do not necessarily reflect or represent the official position, editorial policy, or views of FadaKay Media, its management, staff, or affiliates.
About the Author
It is hopeful that this might work in the interest of the people!