The Governor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku, has asked for military cooperation to end the insecurity in the country.

He made the call on Monday when he played host to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar in Government House, Jalingo.

The Chief of Staff was in Taraba to visit the 23 quick response wing established in Nguroje, a volatile area of Sardauna local government, where a clash between Mambilla natives and Fulani herdsmen left many dead some months ago.

Ishaku said a synergy between the state government and the armed forces is the solution to insecurity.

Such a synergy, Ishaku noted, would produce better result if the elite in the country shun petty sentiments and work in the interest of the country.

While thanking Abubakar for the visit, Ishaku said: “We must synergise and work together to end these killings.

“I will suggest the establishment of another Air Force unit at the Kashimbilla Dam to secure the Dam and provide security at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

“In Jalingo -the State capital, we need another unit of your men (military troops) to be stationed, to provide us the necessary security.

“I believe these units are not too much for the state,” he said, pledging the support of the state government to the Nigerian military.

The governor blamed the level of insecurity in the country on the elite, saying “they (the elite) promote differences that are alien to the local people in the rural areas.”

He called for a rethink on how to promote peaceful coexistence for the development of the country.

The chief of Air Staff said the 23 quick response wing will add value to their efforts in combating insecurity.

He disclosed that the unit will be supported by the air surveillance of the Nigerian Air Force base from Yola and Makurdi for “ultimum efficiency in combating insecurity and other related crimes.”

Abubakar said he had directed personnel deployed to the state to be friendly with civilians, but to deal decisively with anybody who tries to undermine national security.

“I am happy that our presence has started adding value already. Over 7,300 residents of Sarduana local government area have benefited from the NAF medical outreach programme conducted in the area.

“We are constructing a runway in Gembu for easy landing. We shall also establish a fuel refilling centre in Gembu, to ease our operation,” he added.

The Chief of Air Staff solicited the support and cooperation of Taraba residents to enable them succeed in their operations in the State.