Following the orgy of violence that rocked Okpomaju community in Otukpo LGA where seven people were killed, the Idoma Traditional Council in Benue has urged Federal Government to establish both military and police posts in the troubled community.
Recall that Okpomaju community had been turned into epic center of killing in the past few days resorting to the death of seven people.
Five people were reportedly killed Wednesday evening when suspected armed herders attacked Okpomaju village in retaliation to Monday’s clash between the armed herders and hunters where two hunters and one herder were killed.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday by the Mayor of Otukpo, Chief Aloga Ogbogo, on behalf of Och` Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Elaigwu John, and the entire Idoma Traditional Council, the chief called for heightened security surveillance in the troubled Okpomaju and its neighboring communities.
Chief Ogbogo described the recent incident as a premeditated attack, orchestrated by armed bandits with the intent to instill fear and destabilize the community.
According to the statement, “This tragic event, mirrors similar attacks in Agatu, Guma, and Gwer-West Local Government Areas, where armed assailants have continued to threaten, displace, and murder innocent locals.
The mayor who questioned the motives behind the attack, emphasized that the perpetrators could not have been local herdsmen, saying that the local herdsmen if aggrieved would have reported any concerns to community leaders or security agencies instead of resorting to violence.
The statement further read, “We appeal to both federal and state governments to establish a police post and a military unit of Operation Whirl Stroke OPWS in Okpomaju to curb the activities of criminal elements not only there but also in surrounding farming communities, including Odudaje, Otukpo-Icho, Emichi, Amla, and Otukpo-Nobi.
“Similarly, we appeal to the State Government to strictly enforce the ban on open grazing, which to mitigate conflicts between herders and local farmers.”
The Mayor also called on the youths of Otukpo to exercise restraint and avoid any form of reprisal attacks, assuring that security agencies are fully committed to ensuring justice is served.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed for God’s comfort and strength during the difficult time.
