Protest rocks Otukpo In Benue over frequent kidnappings

…As youths demand removal of Police area Commander 

From Attah Ede Makurdi 

The youth in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday, staged a protest across  major streets in the area, demanding the removal of the Area Commander due to his alleged inability to address the security challenges in the area. 

The recent loss of two lives and the abduction of others in the past two nights have sparked this demand.

The Otukpo Local Government Area, which is the oldest and most developed in Idoma land, has been experiencing security concerns. 

According to a community leader and resident of Otukpo town, Ankeli Amanyi the youth are holding the Area Commander responsible for not doing enough to prevent these incidents.

“To address the situation, the Benue State Government, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, may need to intervene and take decisive action. 

“The government could consider deploying more security personnel to the area or replacing the Area Commander with someone who can effectively address the security challenges.

“The Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri Ogiri, may also need to work closely with the youth, traditional leaders, and security agencies to find a lasting solution to the security issues in Otukpo.

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The incessant killings and kidnappings, has angered  many residents of Otukpo, leading to the protest.

The protesters  blocked major roads, also demanding urgent action from the government and security agencies to address the growing insecurity.

One of the protesters, who identified himself as Daniel Oche, lamented the frequent attacks, describing them as a “constant recurrence.”

He alleged that electricity is always cut off in the community before each attack.

“This has been happening again and again. We are not safe in our own homes. And have you noticed? NEPA (JEDC) always takes light before every operation. It’s like they don’t want us to see what’s coming,” he said.

Efforts to get the reaction of the police authorities failed as the command police public relations officer CSP Sewuese Anene could not respond to text messages and calls.