Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called on the Nigerian Air Force to support ground troops through aerial patrols in the fight against criminals in parts of the state.
The Governor made the call on Friday when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao and his delegation at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi.
He also called on the Chief of Air Staff to direct the tactical troop in Agatu to carry out some patrols outside the camp to help contain the insecurity in the area.
The Governor acknowledged the contributions of the Air Force to Operation Whirl Stroke which he said has restored relative peace in the state, adding that patriotic Nigerians must support security agencies to secure the land.
He expressed the hope that hiccups from the civil air operations which had already commenced would soon be addressed for civil flight operations to resume.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Amao said he was in the state on a familiarisation visit to get acquainted with challenges of the Tactical Air Command, saying courtesy demands that he pays homage to the Governor.
While appealing to the Governor to wade into the land dispute between the command and host community for an amicable resolution, the Chief of Air Staff said they had always restrained their personnel from any negative reaction even in the face of provocation.
He pledged the sustained support of the Nigerian Air Force under his leadership in collaboration with other security chiefs to fight insecurity in the state and Nigeria at large.
