179 Hectares for the Navy? Alia’s Bold Move or Benue’s Silent Betrayal?

In a surprising yet bold move, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State recently allocated a whopping 179 hectares of land to the Nigerian Navy. According to him, the gesture is part of a “strategic partnership to strengthen national security and bring development closer to the people of Benue.”

But not everyone is cheering.

The Government’s Narrative: "Security First"

Governor Alia has defended the land donation as a visionary step to attract federal presence and address the growing insecurity in the state.

"With the naval base in Benue, we’ll see more boots on the ground, more surveillance, and less room for bandits and terrorists to operate."

Supporters of the governor, including pro-government analyst Barr. Susan Ihotu, have praised the move.

"Benue has been neglected for too long. This naval base puts us on the national map and could be the start of something transformational."

Others echo that this could bring job opportunities, infrastructural development, and federal investments that Benue desperately needs.

The Critics: "Selling Out Our Land?"

Opposition voices and many civil society groups see the decision as hasty and suspicious.

"Who consulted the people?" asked Comrade Iorliam Mbatsav, a youth activist and environmentalist. "We’re still dealing with IDP camps and unresolved land disputes. Now 179 hectares—enough land to house thousands—is being handed to the military without a town hall meeting?"

Some accuse the government of prioritizing military optics over agricultural revival, especially in a state dubbed the “Food Basket of the Nation.”

"Benue is bleeding, not just from insecurity but from hunger, displacement, and unemployment," wrote Dr. Mimi Anjembe. "How does gifting such massive land to the Navy solve that?"

Even more contentious is the location of the land — with unconfirmed reports suggesting that it was originally earmarked for farming cooperatives and community resettlement programs.

My Take: Is This a Masterstroke or a Misstep?

Let’s be honest: on the surface, it sounds strategic. A military base could deter insurgency and potentially make Benue safer. But we must ask ourselves:

Why 179 hectares? Why not 50 or 100? Was this land unused, disputed, or community-owned? Where is the environmental impact assessment?

It’s not just about what the governor did. It’s about how he did it. Transparency matters.

This isn’t a small plot; it’s nearly half the size of Makurdi town itself. Giving it to a federal institution without wider public input sets a dangerous precedent. Tomorrow it could be your ancestral land gifted away in the name of “development.”

So... What’s the Real Agenda?

• Is this a deal to win political favor at the national level?
• Was due process followed, or were communities muscled out quietly?
• Who really benefits—Benue people, or a select few?

We can appreciate bold governance without becoming blind followers.

What Do YOU Think?

Is this a smart security investment?
Or is it a reckless giveaway of Benue’s future?
Should communities have had a say?

Drop your thoughts below. Be bold, be respectful, and let’s spark the conversation Alia’s cabinet probably doesn’t want us to have.

#BenueRising #LandMatters #AliaDecision #NavalBaseControversy #179Hectares