Makurdi—Major streets in the ancient town of Otukpo, the headquarters of Benue South District, were, yesterday, taken over by angry residents who came out in large numbers protesting against the increasing cases of kidnappings and killings in the area.

The protesters who marched through the streets chanting war songs and making demands blocked most of the major roads leading into the town from other parts of the state.

Though peaceful, the protesters demanded urgent action from the government and security agencies to address the worsening insecurity in the town and its environs.

One of the protesters who claimed to be a youth leader in one of the Council Wards disclosed that they were forced to take to the streets to register their anger after security agents failed in their responsibilities to ensure the security of lives and property in the town.

He said: “Otukpo is no longer safe, we cannot sleep with our two eyes closed, our communities are being attacked almost on a daily basis by herdsmen and nothing is being done about it. People are being killed by armed men and no one is saying anything. No arrest is being made and people are now living in fear. A lot of people have fled their homes for fear of being killed because the attacks are becoming frequently.
“Only yesterday (Monday) at Asa 2, one Akatu Onche popularly known as Okakpo ka Achumedo was shot and he died this morning. How can we continue like this as if we do not have a government.

“That is why we are in the streets today to register our anger and call on the state government to wake up to its responsibilities to ensure the safety of the lives and property of the people.”

Reacting to the development in a statement by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel John, the Senate Minority Leader and lawmaker representing Benue South Senatorial District, Senator Abba Moro, expressed worry over the worsening insecurity in the town and urged the government and security agents to take urgent action to address the situation.

Part of the statement read, “Senator Moro is greatly worried about the rising insecurity in Otukpo and condemns, in very strong terms, the recent killings and kidnappings in the town.

“Senator Moro says the people behind the heinous crime are doing Otukpo town a serious disservice, being the headquarters of the Idoma nation, and charges government at all levels and security agents to rise up to their constitutional responsibilities with a view to arresting the perpetrators of the crime and nipping it in the bud.


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/killings-kidnapping-angry-residents-shut-major-roads-in-otukpo/