Benue State Government has concluded plans to start production of beer brand to stop capital flight to other states.

The Managing Director of Benue Investment and Property Company, Dr Raymond Asemakaha, disclosed this to journalists on Tuesday.

He said that the beer’s name will be unveiled during its launch in December.

Asemakaha, who took journalists on a tour of the proposed brewery, water, and bakery factories in Makurdi, the state capital, said that the initiative to set up a brewery came as a result of recent studies showing that a huge amount of money leaves the state every month on beer consumption.

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Asemakaha said the company was out to give Benue and Nigerians a high-premium quality beer made in the state using local raw materials.

He said that BIPC was not in competition with any brewery company therefore, would do everything for the people to enjoy a beer with a difference.

He said, “Basically, when we came on board, we understand that the rate of alcohol consumption in the state is between N850 million per month.

“We understand that the people that are selling these beers have taken this money out of Benue State.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Breweries Hikes Prices Of Beer As Production Costs Soar

“So, we discovered and said no, all what we need to do is to float a new company that we can be able to observe and retain the cash flow within the system. That is why we are embarking on beer production.

“This N850 to N870 million is a monthly sale of beers in the state, and within the month of December, they have made one billion naira in sales. So, one of the things we are doing is to help retain the cash flow within the system.”

According to the MD, the estimated production capacity is 180,000 bottles per day, and the fermentation period is 15 days.

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“We will crash the price of beer in the state, but we are not going to compete with them (other breweries). We want to retain the cash within us. It is our own thing. So, the people here, our brothers and sisters, should be able to key in and take our products,” he said.

While stating that raw materials will be locally sourced, Asemakaha stated that the factory would commence full production by the first week of December.

“What we want to do is that this season, we want to give people seedlings so that we can go back to production and take those products from them to plant and harvest,” he added.

The managing director said that the brewery project would cost between ₦700 and ₦800 million, just as he expressed assurances that the amount would be sourced.

Two people have been reportedly confirmed killed and 18 people kidnapped by terrorists, in Ungwan Dantata in the Gefe community of Kallah Ward, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A resident, Sujada Ayuba, who confirmed the incident to PUNCH Online on Tuesday, said the terrorists invaded the village on foot on Monday morning at around 1:am.

The victims killed were identified as; Ezra Badama and Nagode Ibro while those abducted are identified as; Nehemiah Sukuni, Rebecca Nehemiah, Sadam Gane, Alice Sadam, Jashu’a Sukuni, Rhoda Isaac, Isaac Dako, Patience Godwin, A’ishatu Ezra, Damaris Nathan, Justina Afis, Gabriela Nathan, Daniela Nehemiah, Jackson Sadam, Amame Ezra, Benedict Monday, Enoch Yohanna and Igwe Saleh.

He disclosed that since November last year, terrorists have been constantly disturbing the people of the Gefe community and they cannot recount the monies spent as regards the payment of ransom.

“This community is in dire need of Government support and their major activity is farming. We’re already in the Rainy season now, and most of them cannot access their farmlands for fear of being kidnapped. They’ve sold all that they harvested and some even sold their lands just to raise money for the ransom of their loved ones, adding no food, and money to buy fertilizer. We need Government intervention like; food and fertilizer to help cushion the effect of hunger in our Community.

“We’re appealing to the Government to assist deploy security operatives in the area to help restore the confidence of the community. Some victims had earlier told us that they trek with terrorists passing different Villages and crossing major roads to their destination.

“Having security forces around the area will help in apprehending these terrorists that have been causing nightmares in our Communities. There are vantage positions where security forces can block the moment people are kidnapped or killed by terrorists,” Sujada added.

He said no contact has been made yet with the terrorists as regards the negotiation of ransom.

He said the two dead victims have been buried today, Tuesday, 7th May 2024 according to Christian rites.

The Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, when contacted did not respond to calls and text messages sent to him by our correspondent.

Recently, terrorists kidnapped 87 people after launching a fresh attack on the Kajuru-Station community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A member of the Kajuru-Station Youths, Harisu Dari, confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Kaduna.

Harisu said the terrorists also broke into some shops and stole food items and other valuables.

He said the terrorists invaded the village around 10 pm.

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, finally withdrew the suit filed against members of Olubadan-in-Council.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Ladoja Drags Makinde, Olubadan To Court Over Chieftaincy Review

High Chief Ladoja instituted a suit against the members of the Council over the beaded crown worn before the demise of the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.

The coast is now clear for the enthronement of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

One of his aides, Adeola Oloko, told The PUNCH on Tuesday.