The member of the House of Representatives for Takum/Donga and Ussa Constituency, Dr. Mark Useni, has called for collaboration among communities along the Benue and Taraba border to enhance local intelligence and vigilance in order to end the persistent attacks in the area.
Hon. Useni made this appeal on Tuesday while condemning the attack on travelers along the Takum-Wukari road, which claimed the lives of six commuters on Monday.
According to a press release from the National Assembly member, he has already initiated discussions with his Benue counterparts to offer support to the governors of both states in securing the people in the affected area.
He condemned the attack, describing it as an act of terrorism against innocent citizens.
“While I condemn in strong terms, the barbaric killing of 6 commuters along Takum- Wukari road, the unfortunate incidence that is coming few weeks after the Chief of Chanchanji was murdered together with his son on the same road.
I call on communities along the Taraba/ Benue border to step up local intelligence and vigilance to make work easy for security agencies to protect the area.
“These criminal elements have also involved a wicked strategy of following local farmers to their farm to kidnap for ransom. A situation that is capable of aggravating the hunger being experienced in the land.
“While I urge the affected communities to continue to maintain calm and allow security agencies to go after the perpetrators.
I wish to commend governor Agbu Kefas for his usual prompt action on security matters and appeal for a stronger synergy between Taraba and Benue state Government towards tackling the security situation in the area.
“While I commiserate with the families of the dastard act, I wish to inform that as a representative of the area.
I am already reaching out to my colleagues from Benue to offer support to the two governors to build a stronger security operation in the area for citizens’ safety”. Hon. Mark stated.
