By NIGPOST Reporter
Hon. Blessing Onuh, the representative of Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has raised alarm over the worsening insecurity in her constituency. She has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action to stop the ongoing killings.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Onuh described the situation as a national emergency that demands immediate intervention.
She urged security agencies to step up efforts in apprehending the perpetrators and restoring peace to the affected communities.
“The killings in my constituency have reached an outrageous level in recent weeks. Every day, innocent lives are lost, and it is becoming disturbingly normal,” Onuh stated.
The lawmaker expressed frustration over what she termed the inaction of security agencies, noting that after each attack, government officials issue statements but take no concrete action.
“People are being killed and kidnapped repeatedly, yet nothing happens to the perpetrators. Security agencies in Makurdi and Otukpo always claim to be ‘on top of the matter,’ but nothing ever changes. Families mourn their dead and brace for the next attack,” she lamented.
Onuh recounted chilling incidents, including the brutal murder of a retired customs officer, Mr. Onche Akatu, in Asa 2 community, Otukpo Local Government Area. Two members of his family were also abducted.
“The most painful part is that his family members were kidnapped after his gruesome murder. Should the dead man now rise to pay ransom for their release? My heart bleeds,” she lamented.
She also recounted the murder of Mrs. Felicia Ochigbo, a nursing mother, in the Old NTA Area of Asa community and the killing of another resident, an Igbo man.
Last month, in Okpomoju Community in Okete Ward, suspected herdsmen reportedly killed five men, causing extreme distress among residents.
“These herdsmen are even threatening people through phone calls. Right now, people are fleeing their communities, unsure if where they are going is even safe,” she added.
Onuh questioned why security forces have failed to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace. “Are these killers above the law? Why is it so difficult to bring them to justice and ensure our people can sleep with their two eyes closed?” she asked.
The lawmaker also highlighted the economic impact of the attacks, stressing that many farmers have abandoned their farmlands due to fear, worsening food shortages in the region.
She appealed to the youth in her constituency not to resort to jungle justice, emphasizing that retaliatory attacks would only escalate the crisis.
“I will engage with political stakeholders and security heads to ensure these atrocities come to an end. Our people deserve to live in peace,” she assured.
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