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The Idoma Traditional Council in Benue State has called for heightened security surveillance in the troubled Okpomaju and its neighbouring communities.
The call was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Mayor of Otukpo, Chief Aloga Ogbogo, on behalf of the Och’ Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Elaigwu John, and the entire Idoma Traditional Council.
The mayor also urged the state and federal governments to establish a police post and a military unit of Operation Whirl Stroke in Okpomaju to curb criminal activities.
The appeal follows a series of attacks on Okpomaju village by armed bandits, in which seven people were allegedly killed over the past five days.
Five people were reportedly killed on Wednesday evening when suspected armed herders attacked Okpomaju village in retaliation for an earlier clash between herders and local hunters, in which two hunters and one herder lost their lives.
Ogbogo described the latest attack as a premeditated assault by armed bandits intending to instil fear and destabilise the community.
He stated, “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 questioned the motives behind the attack, asserting that the perpetrators could not have been local herdsmen.
He argued that if local herders had grievances, they would have reported their concerns to community leaders or security agencies rather than resorting to violence.
“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 criminal activities, not only there but also in surrounding farming communities, including Odudaje, Otukpo-Icho, Emichi, Amla, and Otukpo-Nobi.
“Similarly, we urge the state government to strictly enforce the ban on open grazing to mitigate conflicts between herders and local farmers,” the statement read in part.
The mayor also called on the youths of Otukpo to exercise restraint and avoid reprisal attacks, assuring them that security agencies are fully committed to ensuring justice is served.
He extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the attack and prayed for God’s comfort and strength during this difficult time.
