The Agatu Local Government Council in Benue State has secured approval for the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion between Ekaida and Egba communities in the council area.
The new formation, to be known as the 111 Battalion, Nigerian Army, is expected to strengthen security presence in Agatu, enhance rapid response capabilities and consolidate the peace gradually returning to the area and neighbouring communities.
The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Hon. James Melvin Ejeh, who announced the development, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving what he described as a major security intervention in the area.
Ejeh also commended the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, for his commitment to restoring peace and security in Agatu, saying the establishment of the battalion would further support efforts to protect lives and property.
He acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; General Officer Commanding, 5 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Moses Gara; and other security officers and stakeholders involved in securing the approval.
According to him, the development marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to secure Agatu and create an enabling environment for displaced residents to return to their communities and rebuild their lives.
The chairman said the increased military presence would also contribute to creating a safer environment for economic activities and sustainable development across the council area.
Meanwhile, in a separate development aimed at reinforcing his administration’s commitment to vulnerable residents, Ejeh has adopted the traditional title “Ada G’ona,” meaning “food provider,” as an identity for his people-centred service initiative.
The chairman formally assumed the title on Tuesday, describing it as a personal declaration of his resolve to stand with people facing hardship, particularly the elderly, widows, vulnerable families and others in difficult circumstances.
Ejeh said the title represented his conviction that leadership must remain responsive to the realities of the people and translate public responsibility into practical action.
“ADA G’ONA is more than a title to me. It represents the responsibility to provide where there is need, to care for people going through difficult times and to ensure that no one is deliberately forgotten.
“Leadership must have a human face, and that face must be reflected in the lives we touch. That is why I have chosen ADA G’ONA as an identity of service,” he said.
He explained that the initiative went beyond the provision of food, stressing that it was also about practical assistance, compassion and the preservation of human dignity.
The chairman urged individuals, organisations and government at all levels to seize opportunities to support people in need and strengthen the bonds that hold communities together.
“We must seize every opportunity to provide for those in need and strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together. No one should be forgotten when there is an opportunity to offer help,” he said..
Ejeh disclosed that a redesigned logo for the ADA G’ONA identity would henceforth carry the inscription, “The Hand That Feeds, Where Hope Meets Reality.”
He said the identity would serve as a constant reminder that public office should translate into meaningful support and improved welfare for the people.
The chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to compassion, dignity and service, saying the welfare and security of the people remained central to his leadership of Agatu Local Government Council.