Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has condemned the latest attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders, describing the persistent violence as alarming and unacceptable.
In a statement issued on Sunday through his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro denounced the attacks on Akpachi community in Ugboju-Ehaje and Otukpo-Nobi community, where at least 10 people were reportedly killed and several others sustained injuries.
The lawmaker expressed concern that the attacks were becoming increasingly frequent instead of declining, warning that the continued bloodshed could escalate into a larger crisis if urgent action is not taken.
According to Abba Moro, residents cannot continue to endure the senseless killing of innocent people, as he called on the Federal Government, Benue State Government and security agencies to take decisive measures to protect lives and property in Benue South, in line with their constitutional responsibilities.
The senator also condemned the attack on the funeral convoy transporting the remains of Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, in Kogi State.
Abba Moro explained that the late FRSC officer’s body was being conveyed to his hometown of Ai-Ode in Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, for burial when the convoy was ambushed, resulting in the abduction of several mourners.
Describing the incident as inhumane, Moro questioned how bereaved family members and friends could be attacked and kidnapped for ransom while escorting the remains of a loved one to his final resting place.
He extended his condolences to the Ikwue family over their loss and sympathised with the victims abducted during the attack, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release and ensure those behind the incident are arrested and prosecuted.
Moro also conveyed his sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, assuring them of his support during the difficult period.
BACKSTORY:
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s worst-hit states by recurring attacks linked to suspected armed herders and other criminal groups, with many communities experiencing repeated incidents of killings, displacement and destruction of property over the years.
Despite ongoing security operations by the Federal Government and security agencies, several parts of the state, particularly in Benue South and other rural communities, have continued to witness violent attacks that have claimed numerous lives and forced residents to abandon their homes and farmlands.
The latest wave of violence reportedly claimed at least 10 lives in Akpachi community in Ugboju-Ehaje and Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, while several others sustained injuries. The incidents have heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
Adding to the growing insecurity, a funeral convoy conveying the remains of Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, to his hometown in Otukpo Local Government Area was reportedly ambushed in neighbouring Kogi State, with several mourners abducted during the attack.
Reacting to the incidents, Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, condemned the renewed violence, describing the attacks as unacceptable. He called on governments at all levels and security agencies to take decisive action to halt the killings, rescue those abducted during the funeral convoy attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.
