ADC senatorial candidate urges stronger security after deadly Otukpo attacks

Dr. David Olofu, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, has demanded that the government strengthen security in vulnerable communities. His call comes in response to recent attacks in the Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), which he attributes to suspected armed herdsmen.

Olofu condemned the recurring assaults on communities within the senatorial district, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts to protect lives and bring perpetrators to justice. He characterized the attacks as deliberate acts of aggression, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action to secure communities and safeguard residents.

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We are trying to calm the youths so that they don’t take their anger out on innocent passers-by.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, stated that the latest violence followed the killing of two farmers in Apachi village on Friday. Ogiri reported that 10 people were killed in the recent wave of attacks, including the two farmers and eight others in Sunday's assault on Otukpo-Nobi. Several individuals were injured, and survivors have been relocated to safer areas, with security measures reinforced.

Ogiri also noted the distress among residents, mentioning that youths protested the killings by bringing victims' bodies to the Och’Idoma's palace. He acknowledged the difficulty in controlling initial reactions when people are apprehensive and afraid, highlighting the need to calm the youth to prevent further unrest.

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When people are apprehensive and afraid, you cannot directly control their initial reactions.