Onuh Condemns Fresh Benue Killings, Calls For Permanent Military Presence
The member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, has condemned the latest attacks in communities within her constituency and called for immediate deployment of permanent military formations to restore peace.
Expressing sympathy with bereaved families, Onuh described the killings in Otukpo-Nobi, Akpachi and Ondu as a disturbing escalation of insecurity.
She appealed to the Federal Government and security agencies to establish Forward Operating Bases in strategic locations, particularly Okwudu Community, to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.
The lawmaker also urged a thorough investigation into the killing of the Benue MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad, and other recent attacks, noting that justice remained essential to breaking the cycle of violence.
She warned residents against retaliatory attacks and pledged to continue working with governments, security agencies and community leaders to restore lasting peace.
She specifically demanded the immediate establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and permanent military formations in strategic communities across the constituency, especially Okwudu Community in Ugboju District, describing the area as highly vulnerable to renewed attacks.
According to her, a sustained military presence would not only deter criminal elements but also restore confidence among residents who have continued to live in fear.
Rt. Hon. Onuh also renewed her call for a thorough investigation into the assassination of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad and all recent killings in the constituency, insisting that those responsible must be identified, arrested and prosecuted to end the cycle of violence.
She appealed to residents, particularly youths and community leaders, to resist every temptation to embark on reprisal attacks, warning that revenge would only deepen the crisis and claim more innocent lives.
“I appeal to all our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities. We must not take the law into our own hands. Violence cannot be the solution to violence,” she said.
The lawmaker further urged security agencies to provide maximum protection for Okwudu Community in Ugboju District and other neighbouring settlements to prevent any retaliatory attacks capable of escalating the crisis.
She reiterated her earlier call for Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency to be designated a security red-alert zone, saying the persistent attacks require extraordinary security measures and coordinated military operations.
Rt. Hon. Onuh reaffirmed her commitment to working with the Federal Government, Benue State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and all stakeholders to restore lasting peace, protect lives and ensure that the people of Otukpo/Ohimini can return to their farms and daily activities without fear.
She prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and expressed hope that peace and security would soon return to every community in the constituency.