From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja, Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Residents of Asa community in Otukpo Local Government, Benue State, yesterday took to the streets to protest the rising cases of killings and kidnappings in the area allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen.
From the videos trending on social media, the protesters blocked major roads in Otukpo town, causing a traffic lockdown for travellers and other motorists.
They were seen chanting a popular protesting song: “We no go gree, we no go gree,” and holding placards with different inscriptions on it including “Enough is Enough,” Stop the Killings in Otukpo,” among others.
It was gathered that the residents were demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies to address the rising tide of insecurity in Otukpo and its environs.
One of the protesters,Daniel Oche, lamented the frequent attacks, describing them as a “constant recurrence.” He also alleged that electricity is always cut off in the community before every attack.
“This has been happening again and again. We are not safe in our own homes. And have you noticed? Power generation company (JEDC),always switch of electricity before every operation. It’s like they don’t want us to see what’s coming,” he said.
The protest, which drew a large crowd, followed series of deadly attacks in the area. Residents said the killings has forced many to flee their homes, while those left behind are living in constant fear.
Another protester said the youths were also protesting and demanding the removal of Police Area Commander of
Otukpo, for his alleged inability to address the security challenges in the area.
According to the source, two lives have been lost,while others were abducted in the past two nights, sparking the demand.
The Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, told newsmen on phone that he was in a security meeting and would get back later. He, however,did not confirm if the meeting was in connection with youths protest or not.
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene said she was yet -to -be briefed as she has not been able to speak to the Otukpo DPO.
Meanwhile, the law maker representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Blessing Onuh, has condemned the escalating violence in her constituency, urging President Bola Tinubu to deploy security forces to combat suspected herdsmen attacks.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday ,the two-term lawmaker described the killings as a “national emergency,” citing recent incidents including the murder of retired customs officer Onche Akatu and the abduction of his family members in Asa 2 community.
She also highlighted the slaughter of nursing mother Felicia Ochigbo and an unnamed Igbo resident, alongside last month’s massacre of five men in Okpomoju village.
“The killings in my constituency have reached an outrageous level in recent weeks. Every day, we witness the senseless murder of innocent people, and tragically, it is beginning to feel as though it is normal,” Onuh stated.
Providing chilling accounts of recent incidents, Ataku murder, she said: “The most painful part is that two members of his family were kidnapped after his gruesome murder. Should the dead man now rise to pay ransom for their release? My heart bleeds.
“ Last month in Okpomoju Community in Okete Ward of Otukpo LGA,suspected herdsmen killed five men causing extreme grief. These herdsmen according to community sources are even threatening people with phone calls. As I speak to you, people are running away from their communities without even knowing if where they are going to be safe.
“Are these killers above the law;why is it so difficult to apprehend them and restore peace so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed?” she queried.
Onuh criticized authorities for inaction, noting that attackers operate with impunity despite repeated assurances from security agencies, adding that displaced residents flee without guarantees of safety elsewhere.
“I wonder why people are being killed and kidnapped repeatedly, yet, nothing happens to the perpetrators. After every attack, all we hear from the security apparatus in Makurdi and Otukpo is that they are ‘on top of the matter,’ but nothing ever changes. Families mourn their dead, return home, and brace for the next attack by suspected herdsmen,” she added.
The lawmaker warned that abandoned farmlands due to fear of violence threaten food security, while urging constituents to avoid reprisals.
She pledged to collaborate with stakeholders to end the crisis, stressing that, “our people deserve peace”.
Her appeal aligns with demands from Idoma diaspora groups, who have condemned Benue State’s perceived indifference to herdsmen attacks in Benue South.