From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
A
ngry residents of Otukpo, headquarter of Idoma nation in Benue State on Tuesday protested over high wave of killings and kidnappings in the area.
It was learnt that the killings of two persons and abduction of others in two (2) sparked off the protest.
The protest, which drew a large crowd mostly youths and women, followed series of deadly attacks in the area. Residents said the incidents have forced many to flee their homes, while those who remain live in constant fear.
The protesters who blocked major roads in the town, carried placards amid chants, “We no go gree! We no go gree!,” even as they demanded urgent action from the State government and security agencies to address the rising tide of insecurity in the area.
One of the protesters, Daniel Oche, lamented over the frequent attacks.
He also alleged that electricity is always cut off in the community before every attack.
“This has been happening again and again. We are not safe in our own homes. And have you noticed? Power Holding always cut electricity supply before every operation. It’s like they don’t want us to see what’s coming,” he said.
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, security operatives have not been deployed to manage the situation.
Efforts to contact the council chairman Maxwell Ogiri proved abortive as he did not pick his call or reply to text message.
