From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said army authorities had approved the establishment of a ‘Special Forces Battalion’ Barracks to be located in Okene, Kogi state.
Buratai disclosed this on Friday to journalists in Okene after inspecting the proposed site of the new barracks at Okene Secondary School in Okene Local Government Area.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Ademo Salihu, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Minna, Buratai said that the new barracks would enhance security of lives and property in Kogi.
He named it ”109 Special Forces Battalion” Barracks, Okene, and said that its establishment was prompted by the strategic importance of Kogi in Nigeria, “being the gateway between the North and the Southern part of the country”.
”So, the Federal Government considers it very appropriate to locate the barracks in Okene in order to ensure the security of the people of this important corridor.
”Approval for the barracks has been granted already and what we are here for is just to put effect to that approval. So, you can be assured that it will be as soon as possible,” he said.
In his remarks, Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, extolled the Army for the gesture and commended its efforts in keeping Kogi peaceful.
He said that his government was security conscious and had won many awards in security.
Bello, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr Afolashade Arike, said that the relationship between the state government and the army was cordial, adding that the government also supported army in some ways.
When asked if the existing school in the proposed site would be closed down, the governor said that the barracks would not disrupt normal operations of the school.
Earlier, the COAS and his entourage had visited the palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Dr Ado Ibrahim, who also commended the army for the gesture and promised his total support.
The Commander, Headquarters Command Army Records, Lokoja, Major General Elvis Njoku, had earlier hosted the COAS and his encourage at the barracks before proceeding to Kogi Government House to meet with the governor.
