The member representing Agatu state constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Godwin Edoh has urged President Tinubu, Gov.Hyacinth Alia and security agencies to end the incessant killings in the area.
Edoh made the call during a tour of the areas that were affected by the recent carnage of herdsmen attack on Agatu.
He condemned the barbaric attack on the defenceless Agatu natives, decrying the high level of wanton destruction.
Edoh who was accompanied on the tour by a joint patrol team of security agencies explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of the attack on the communities and mourn with them over the loss of lives and property.
He noted that the attack left many communities, including Ikpelle Gochi and Ikpelle Gope in Agatu West, completely deserted, with women and children fleeing while only a few young people were left in the communities.
Edoh added that other communities like Ogwumogbo, Ejima Gega, and Ejima Geche where several houses were burnt and five persons killed have also been deserted since last year’s attack with armed herdsmen occupying the villages till date.
“A recent attack on Okokolo, a few kilometres from Ikpelle, resulted in two deaths and many houses burnt, prompting residents of Ikpelle to flee due to speculation that Ikpelle and Warri could be the next targets in Agatu West.
“During the visit, the community pleaded with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and Rev. Hyacinth Alia, the Executive Governor of Benue state, to station military forces at the borders of Ogbumogbo in Agatu West and Okokolo in Agatu North to prevent future attacks.
“I assured the stakeholders and community leaders that addressing this issue is a top priority as well as expressed concern over the loss of lives and properties, and the hindrance of the people in accessing their farms and ancestral lands due to continuous attacks.
“I also pledged to present a motion on the floor of the Benue State House of Assembly once the House resumes from recess.
“Additionally, I am committed to writing letters to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that the affected communities receive relief materials while a permanent solution is explored”, the lawmaker said.
He called for collaboration among stakeholders while announcing plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to find legal and legitimate means to defend and protect Agatu from invaders.
