The member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, has condemned the renewed wave of killings in parts of Benue State, calling for the immediate establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and permanent military formations in vulnerable communities.
Onuh spoke against the backdrop of reports that nine persons were killed in Otukpo-Nobi, while two others lost their lives in Akpachi and another person was killed in Ondu, both in Ugboju-Eha.
She urged the Federal Government, the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to intensify security operations across Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency.
The lawmaker stressed that Okwudu Community should be prioritised for military deployment to forestall further attacks and possible reprisals.
She recalled that she had earlier warned on the floor of the House of Representatives that the killing of the Benue MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad, could spark further violence if not properly investigated.
While sympathising with affected families, Onuh appealed to residents to remain peaceful and allow security agencies to perform their constitutional duties.
She specifically demanded the immediate establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and permanent military formations in strategic communities across the constituency, especially Okwudu Community in Ugboju District, describing the area as highly vulnerable to renewed attacks.
According to her, a sustained military presence would not only deter criminal elements but also restore confidence among residents who have continued to live in fear.
Rt. Hon. Onuh also renewed her call for a thorough investigation into the assassination of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad and all recent killings in the constituency, insisting that those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted to end the cycle of violence.
She appealed to residents, particularly youths and community leaders, to resist every temptation to embark on reprisal attacks, warning that revenge would only deepen the crisis and claim more innocent lives.
“I appeal to all our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities. We must not take the law into our own hands. Violence cannot be the solution to violence,” she said.
The lawmaker further urged security agencies to provide maximum protection for Okwudu Community in Ugboju District and other neighbouring settlements to prevent any retaliatory attacks capable of escalating the crisis.
She reiterated her earlier call for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency to be designated a security red-alert zone, saying the persistent attacks require extraordinary security measures and coordinated military operations.
Rt. Hon. Onuh reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Federal Government, Benue State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and all stakeholders to restore lasting peace, protect lives and ensure that the people of Otukpo/Ohimini can return to their farms and daily activities without fear.
She prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and expressed hope that peace and security would soon return to every community in the constituency.
