Frustrated by rising cases of killings and kidnappings, residents of Otukpo, the headquarters of Benue South District, took to the streets on Tuesday, shutting down major roads in protest.
Chanting war songs and carrying placards, the demonstrators blocked key entry points into the town, demanding urgent action from both the government and security agencies to curb the escalating violence.
Although the protest remained peaceful, the residents expressed deep anger over the government’s failure to tackle the worsening security crisis.
A youth leader from one of the council wards, speaking during the demonstration, lamented the increasing threats to life and property in the area.
“Otukpo is no longer safe. We cannot sleep with our two eyes closed. Our communities are being attacked almost daily by herdsmen, and nothing is being done about it. People are being killed, yet no arrests are made, and the authorities remain silent. Many residents have fled their homes for fear of being killed because these attacks are becoming more frequent,” he said.
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He cited a recent case of violence, stating, “Just yesterday (Monday) at Asa 2, one Akatu Onche, popularly known as Okakpo ka Achumedo, was shot. He died this morning. How can we continue like this as if we do not have a government? That is why we are in the streets today—to register our anger and call on the state government to wake up to its responsibilities in ensuring the safety of lives and property.”
Reacting to the protest, Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel John, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Otukpo.
“Senator Moro is greatly worried about the rising insecurity in Otukpo and condemns, in very strong terms, the recent killings and kidnappings in the town,” the statement read.
The senator also emphasized the significance of Otukpo as the headquarters of the Idoma nation, stating, “The people behind these heinous crimes are doing Otukpo a serious disservice. I call on the government at all levels and security agencies to rise up to their constitutional responsibilities, arrest the perpetrators, and put an end to these attacks.”
He further stressed that every Nigerian has the right to live and move freely without fear of violence and called for urgent measures to protect lives and property.
Concluding his statement, Senator Moro extended his condolences to the families of those killed and wished those kidnapped a safe return to their loved ones.
© Ripples Nigeria
