Edumoga youths decry killings in Okpokwu communities

Concerned about the surge in armed robbery, kidnapping, and cult-related activities within communities in Edumoga District of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State, the Edumoga Youth Association (EYA) has devised a comprehensive plan to enhance local security.

The EYA has set in motion the construction of a police station in Ojapo community, aiming to bring security services closer to the people and curb criminal activities. This initiative is in response to the prevailing security challenges experienced by the estimated 900,000 inhabitants residing in over 250 communities in the Edumoga district, primarily agrarian communities.

Currently, the nearest police station to these communities is the Divisional Police Station in Okpoga, the local government’s headquarters, located approximately 200 kilometers away. The geographical distance has left the populace vulnerable to various security threats, including conflicts between farmers and herders, armed robbery, kidnapping, and the recent emergence of cultism.

Alhaji Lucky Itodo, the National President of Edumoga Youth Association, voiced concerns over the longstanding absence of security provisions for these communities since the creation of Benue State in 1976. He highlighted the community’s dependence on voluntary security services provided by local vigilantes, acknowledging their sacrifices but emphasizing the need for official security presence.

Itodo expressed the association’s commitment to donating the completed police station to the Nigerian Police Force, positioning it centrally within the communities to effectively address security challenges. He stressed the urgency of the situation, citing the increasing incidents of armed robbery, kidnappings, and the emergence of cultism. He underlined that every resident should actively participate in this crucial project, recognizing that security is a collective responsibility essential for community development and well-being.

He further lamented the loss of lives due to cult-related violence and the numerous kidnappings that have plagued the region. Itodo emphasized the imperative of swift security response and believes the proposed police station will significantly contribute to restoring order and ensuring the safety of the residents.