By Stanley Onyekwere
Following a devastating new wave of violence in Benue state, Rt. Hon. Onuh Onyeche Blessing, the Member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has issued an urgent demand for the immediate establishment of military bases in the area to halt ongoing bloodshed.
Condemning the latest attacks as barbaric, heartbreaking, and unacceptable, the lawmaker warned that the worsening security situation requires extraordinary federal intervention before the crisis spirals completely out of control.
The lawmaker expressed deep sorrow over the recent surge in violence, which has left numerous families devastated.
This fresh carnage comes just weeks after Rt. Hon. Onuh raised an alarm on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding the assassination of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate along the Okwudu–Okpanchenyi Road.
Also, she had previously warned that a failure to swiftly investigate that incident would trigger the exact reprisal violence now being witnessed.
To protect innocent lives and restore public confidence, Rt. Hon. Onuh is calling directly on the Federal Government, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the DSS to deploy the some immediate measures.
“The immediate establishment of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and permanent military formations in strategic, vulnerable areas—specifically targeting Okwudu Community in Ugboju District.
“The formal designation of the entire Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency as a high-risk security red-alert zone to facilitate coordinated, extraordinary military operations.
“A thorough, transparent investigation into the assassination of Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammad and all subsequent killings to ensure the perpetrators face justice,” she stated.
While pushing for an aggressive security response, Rt. Hon. Onuh extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and made a passionate appeal to local youths and community leaders to resist the temptation to engage in revenge attacks.
“I appeal to all our people to remain calm and allow the security agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
“We must not take the law into our own hands. Violence cannot be the solution to violence,” Hon. Onuh added.
The lawmaker concluded by reaffirming her commitment to working alongside the Benue State Government, security agencies, and traditional and religious leaders to restore lasting peace, ensuring that the people of Otukpo/Ohimini can finally return to their farms and daily lives without fear.
