The member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Onuh Blessing, has condemned the latest wave of killings in parts of Benue State, describing the attacks as barbaric, heartbreaking and unacceptable.
The lawmaker said at least 12 people were killed in the attacks, with nine bodies recovered in Otukpo-Nobi, while two persons were killed in Akpachi, Ugboju-Eha, and one in Ondu, Ugboju-Eha. She added that several residents were still missing, while 11 injured victims were receiving treatment in hospital.
Onuh, in a statement on Thursday, expressed condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
She called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately intensify security operations across Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency to halt the attacks and prevent further loss of lives.
The lawmaker also demanded the immediate establishment of Forward Operating Bases, FOBs, and permanent military formations in strategic communities, particularly Okwudu Community in Ugboju District, which she described as highly vulnerable to renewed attacks.
According to her, a sustained military presence would not only deter criminal elements but also restore confidence among residents who have continued to live in fear.
Onuh noted that the latest attacks came barely weeks after she raised concerns on the floor of the House of Representatives over the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad, and his associate along the Okwudu-Okpanchenyi Road.
She recalled warning at the time that failure to promptly investigate the killings could trigger further violence and reprisal attacks in the area.
The lawmaker renewed her call for a thorough investigation into the assassination of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad and the recent killings across the constituency, insisting that those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted to end the cycle of violence.
She also appealed to residents, particularly youths and community leaders, not to take the law into their own hands by embarking on reprisal attacks.
“I appeal to all our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities. We must not take the law into our own hands. Violence cannot be the solution to violence,” she said.
Onuh further urged security agencies to provide maximum protection for Okwudu Community in Ugboju District and neighbouring settlements to prevent any retaliatory attacks capable of escalating the crisis.
She reiterated her call for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency to be designated a security red-alert zone, saying the persistent attacks require extraordinary security measures and coordinated military operations.
The lawmaker reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Federal Government, the Benue State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace, protect lives and ensure residents could return to their farms and daily activities without fear.
