Otukpo Killings: Abba Moro condemns renewed herdsmen attacks, demands urgent action

The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, has condemned the renewed attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders, describing the escalating violence as disturbing and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro decried the attacks on Akpachi community in Ugboju-Ehaje and Otukpo-Nobi, which reportedly claimed at least 10 lives and left several others injured.

The Senate Minority Leader expressed concern that the attacks were becoming more frequent rather than subsiding, warning that failure to urgently address the killings could plunge the area into a deeper security crisis.

He said the people could no longer continue to watch helplessly as innocent residents were murdered, calling on the Federal Government, the Benue State Government and security agencies to take decisive steps to protect lives and property in Benue South in accordance with their constitutional responsibility.

“The recurring attacks on our communities are unacceptable. Government at all levels and security agencies must rise to their responsibility and ensure the safety of lives and property,” he said.

Moro also lamented the recent attack on the funeral convoy conveying the remains of Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, in Kogi State.

According to the senator, the late FRSC officer’s remains were being conveyed to his hometown, Ai-Ode in Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, for burial when the convoy was ambushed and several mourners abducted.

He described the incident as inhumane, saying it was heartbreaking that mourners escorting the remains of a loved one for burial could become targets of kidnappers.

The lawmaker sympathised with the Ikwue family over the death of their son and the ordeal endured by the abducted friends and colleagues who accompanied the funeral procession.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abductees unhurt and ensure those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

Moro also extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, assuring them of his solidarity and prayers during the difficult period.