By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Disturbed by the incessant and unprovoked killings in various communities of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, its Chairman, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri has warned that the council will no longer tolerate the presence of strangers in its bushes and forests.
Addressing a group of journalists in his office in Otukpo, the Council Chairman said the warning was a deliberate measure to prevent the incessant and unprovoked killings of residents of the LGA.
The Chairman lamented that within a few days, bandits had attacked different communities, killing “a lot of people” and wounding several others who were receiving treatment at different health facilities.
He was left baffled by why, despite the mixed demographic composition of Otukpo LGA, most of the ethnic groups do not constitute any threat to the original inhabitants of the area, except the Fulani.
The Chairman said the Fulani threats were becoming unbearable and unabating.
Hon. Ogiri called on opinion leaders and stakeholders to unite, pointing out that such oneness would bring a lasting solution to the killings in the area.
Against the backdrop of the Fulani being mainly cattle rearers/traders, he said that the people of the area can do without beef, with no consequences, in a ploy to avoid any reason for contact with or dependence on the rampaging Fulani.
The Chairman, however, expressed strong belief that the peace known in the ancient town of Otukpo would return one day with normal activities in the metropolis.
He urged the people of Otukpo in their various communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the authorities for necessary action.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Hon. Ogiri.
