A lot of people have fled their homes for fear of being killed because the attacks are becoming frequently.
A huge number of inhabitants of the town of Otukpo, which serves as the headquarters of the Benue South District, came out in big numbers yesterday to demonstrate against the growing number of incidences of kidnappings and killings in the region.
They took control of major roadways in the ancient town. They blocked the majority of the key routes that led into the town from other parts of the state.
The demonstrators marched through the streets while chanting war songs and making demands. They urged immediate action from the government and security forces to address the growing insecurity in the town and the areas surrounding it, despite the fact that they were nonviolent.
After security officers failed to fulfill their duties to guarantee the safety of people and property in the town, one of the protestors who claimed to be a youth leader in one of the Council Wards confessed that they were compelled to take to the streets in order to express their dissatisfaction with the situation.
He said, “Otukpo is no longer safe, we cannot sleep with our two eyes closed, our communities are being attacked almost on a daily basis by herdsmen and nothing is being done about it.
“People are being killed by armed men and no one is saying anything. No arrest is being made and people are now living in fear. A lot of people have fled their homes for fear of being killed because the attacks are becoming frequently.
“Only yesterday (Monday) at Asa 2, one Akatu Onche popularly known as Okakpo ka Achumedo was shot and 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 to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people.
Senate Minority Leader and Benue South Senatorial District lawmaker Senator Abba Moro, in a statement released by his media adviser Emmanuel John, responded to the news by expressing concern over the town’s escalating insecurity and calling on the government and security forces to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.
It reads, “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.
“Senator Moro says the people behind the heinous crime are doing Otukpo town a serious disservice, being the headquarters of the Idoma nation, and charges government at all levels and security agents to rise up to their constitutional responsibilities with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the crime and nipping it in the bud.
“He insists that Nigerians have the rights to live and move about freely without fear of harassment, stating that lives and property of the people must be protected.
“He sends his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in cold blood and wishes those kidnapped safe return to their loved ones.”