By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, has called for stronger collaboration among traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders and security agencies to address recent attacks in the area.
Ogiri made the call when members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by the state chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, paid him a courtesy visit at the council headquarters in Otukpo. The chairman said recent attacks had affected several communities, including Nobi, Akpachi, Ondo, Ogbodu-Icho and Ifei, with at least 30 people reportedly killed and others injured.
He described the situation as a wake-up call for residents and urged communities to remain vigilant and work with security agencies to prevent further attacks. “What we have experienced in recent times is a wake-up call for all of us. It is not time for blame; it is a time for all of us to put our hands together and see how we can resolve this,” Ogiri said. He said the council had deployed local vigilante groups across communities to complement the efforts of the police, military and other security personnel.
Ogiri commended the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), individuals and corporate organisations for providing relief materials and support to victims of the attacks.
He also assured residents that the council would continue supporting displaced persons and working with security agencies to restore peace. Earlier, the NUJ chairman sympathised with Ogiri and residents of Otukpo over the recent attacks.
