Benue residents protest rising insecurity, block highway
Residents of Otukpo and neighboring areas in Benue State staged a protest on Tuesday, blocking the Otukpo-Enugu Federal Highway in response to escalating insecurity in the local government area.
Chanting “We no go gree! We no go gree!”, the demonstrators demanded immediate action from the government and security forces to address the increasing incidents of robbery, killings, and kidnappings in their communities.
A protester identified as Dan expressed the urgency of their action, stating, “Since the beginning of this year, robbery, kidnapping, and killings have increased in Otukpo. The government is not doing anything to stop it.” He pointed to a recent surge in violence, including a raid on the Asa community where gunmen stole valuables and kidnapped a woman.
Dan further mentioned the tragic killing of a local man, Akatu Onche, just a day before the protest, indicating a growing trend of unchecked violence that compelled residents to express their frustration publicly.
Another protester, Madam Christy, urged the state government to take swift action, saying, “The state government must deploy more security operatives to Otukpo and surrounding areas to curb this growing insecurity.”
The protest drew a significant crowd, resulting in a blockade that caused major traffic disruptions along the highway.
In a brief response, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, acknowledged the situation but was unable to provide details as he was attending a security meeting. “The roadblock has been cleared,” he confirmed.
Meanwhile, Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, noted that she had not received official reports regarding the protest. “I have been seeing posts on Facebook, but I tried reaching the Divisional Police Officer in Otukpo, and he hasn’t picked up his phone,” she remarked.
Source: PUNCH
