Villagers along the expansive Federal Highway traversing Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas in Benue state are sounding the alarm as armed herdsmen capitalise on the deplorable state of the road and adjoining forests to wreck havoc on motorists, commuters, and other way farers.
Expressing profound distress, locals revealed that these marauders have claimed these forests as their stronghold, openly launching attacks and abductions on commuters navigating the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam route without encountering any resistance.
Speaking under anonymity, a member of the Orokam community and a practicing journalist disclosed that, “The marauders, largely composed of Fulani herdsmen, operate with impunity. The Ugbokolo to Otukpa corridor, notably the dense Okungaga forest, serves as their nerve center.”
Detailing the harrowing experiences of kidnapping victims, he elaborated, “These criminals are equipped with sophisticated arms. They forcibly trek captives for hours through the forests, concealing them in various parts of Idoma land, including Ado LGA and Otukpa in Ogbadibo LGA, while negotiating ransom for their release.”
He also said that, “Traveling on the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam highway is now highly perilous, especially after nightfall. However, the security agencies’ response has been inadequate, failing to decisively tackle this threat.”
Moreover, the journalist underscored the limitations of local vigilantes and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards in confronting the armed herdsmen, citing their possession of automatic weapons, making direct confrontation an incredibly risky endeavor.
Expanding on their tactics, he stated, “Under the cover of night, they don military attire, setting up faux security checkpoints to ambush and seize unsuspecting travelers.”
Owukpa, an area straddling Benue and Enugu states with vast forests, has also fallen prey to these armed groups, fostering an atmosphere of fear and helplessness among the populace.
Recently, HRH Chief Emmanuel Odeh, the traditional ruler of Ogbadibo LGA, decried the dire security situation, expressing concerns over the overwhelming presence of armed herdsmen in the expansive forests. He lamented the absence of security forces, leaving communities vulnerable to attacks within the extensive forest cover.
Despite attempts to reach the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, for comment on the armed herdsmen issue, no response has been obtained.
The persistent control of these forests by armed herdsmen continues to escalate fear and insecurity among residents, necessitating urgent and strategic interventions to restore safety along these critical highways in Benue state.
