ABUJA — A member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Blessing Onyeche Onuh, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order immediate military intervention in parts of Benue State following fresh attacks that have left more than 50 people dead in less than a month.
In a letter dated July 28, 2026, addressed to the President, Onuh said communities in Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency were under sustained attacks, with residents living in fear amid rising casualties and displacement.
“I write to you today on behalf of the traumatized and grief-stricken people of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State, with a heavy and bleeding heart,” the lawmaker said.
Onuh, who chairs the House Committee on Land Transport, called for the immediate deployment of a Joint Task Force (JTF), establishment of a permanent security base in the area and accelerated construction of the proposed Otukpo Army Barracks.
According to her, several communities including Otukpo-Nobi, Akpachi-Ugboju, Agadagba and Efeyi have experienced coordinated attacks by armed assailants in recent weeks.
“The recent wave of violence has forced hundreds of helpless citizens to abandon their homes and means of livelihood out of fear,” she said.
She added that beyond the loss of lives, the attacks have disrupted farming activities, displaced families and worsened humanitarian conditions in the affected areas.
“Our farmers can no longer access their farms. Families now live in constant fear because of these recurring attacks,” she said.
While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for gains recorded against insurgency in other parts of the country, the lawmaker said the current security presence in her constituency remained inadequate.
Onuh urged the President to direct security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and carry out sustained operations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
She also appealed for urgent humanitarian support for displaced residents, including food, shelter, medical care and psychosocial assistance.
“The proposed Otukpo Army Barracks is no longer just a developmental project but an existential necessity,” she said, noting that a permanent military presence would improve rapid response to threats.
The lawmaker expressed hope that decisive federal intervention would restore peace, enable displaced persons to return home and allow farmers to resume their activities.
The appeal comes amid renewed concerns over recurring violence in parts of Benue State, with increasing calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
