Abba Moro blames Gov Alia for killings in Idoma communities, visits attack victims in Ugboju, Otukpo

Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, on Thursday paid a condolence visit to communities in Otukpo Local Government Area recently attacked by suspected armed herdsmen, blaming Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as the government’s failure to protect lives and property.

The senator visited Otukpo-Nobi, Ondo-Ugboju and Akpachi-Ugboju, where scores of people were reportedly killed, many others injured, and homes destroyed in the latest wave of attacks.

Moro was accompanied by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Ogbenjuwa Ocheakiti; former Deputy Speakers of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Ogbole Edoh and Hon. Egli Johnson; Rt. Hon. George Alli, Rt. Hon. Solomon Onah, Hon. Gabriel Olofu, and other party leaders.

Addressing residents at Otukpo-Nobi, the senator expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.

He accused Governor Alia of neglecting his constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property, alleging that intelligence reports warning of the impending attacks had been ignored.

“I have continuously chastised the governor to perform his lawful duty of securing lives and properties, which he has continuously neglected,” Moro said.

He also alleged that while communities were under threat, the governor was in Abuja instead of responding to the security situation in the state.

The senator further disclosed that he had repeatedly raised motions on the floor of the Senate to draw the Federal Government’s attention to the recurring killings in Benue and to press for decisive measures to end the violence.

As part of the visit, Moro proceeded to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where victims of the attacks are receiving medical treatment. Moved by their condition, he settled the medical bills of those admitted and directed the hospital’s Chief Medical Director to keep him informed of their treatment and recovery.

At Ondor-Ugboju, Moro condemned the attacks as inhumane and urged residents to remain vigilant while collaborating with security agencies by providing credible information on criminal elements operating within their communities.

He also assured the victims and their families of his continued support.

Speaking during the visit, PDP deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Ogbenjuwa Ocheakiti, sympathised with the affected communities and prayed for lasting peace across the area.

Responding on behalf of the community, Elder Ogbole Odejor thanked Senator Moro for identifying with the people during their time of grief, describing him as a leader who has consistently stood with the communities in difficult moments.

The delegation also visited the Och’Ugboju-Ega, His Royal Highness Chief Samuel Ankeli, and the Ugboju Council of Elders at Akpachi-Ugboju.

While condoling with the traditional ruler and the community, Moro described the killings as barbaric and called for increased vigilance, noting that the armed herders currently terrorising communities were different from the peaceful pastoralists known in previous years.

He urged residents to remain security-conscious and continue working with security agencies to prevent further attacks.