By Egbe Attah
The Ad’Otukpo, Dr Samuel Onuh, has called on the people of Adoka in Otukpo Local Government of Benue State to desist from criminal acts in order not to get caught by the long arm of the law.
The royal father said this in reaction to a recent court ruling at the Grade One Area Court, Adoka, involving three young men who were charged for criminal conspiracy and theft.
According to reports, the trio were sentenced for stealing 14 bags of cassava flakes, otherwise known as garri from Adoka Main Market and were apprehended at Awowo-Ukwo Market in Kogi State.
Speaking to newsmen, the traditional ruler commended the ruling, noting that it would serve as deterrent to others, He vowed that the community would ensure that criminal activities do not have a place in the community.
Speaking further on the matter, the police prosecutor, Inspector Omapu Agadagba, said the affected persons were arrested on 9th January by the police from Adoka and charged to court.
The presiding judge, Otanwa Ogwuche in his ruling, sentenced Owoicho Ella to three months imprisonment while Inalegwu Godwin and Olobo Mathew were sentenced to six months each.
In another development, the Itogo Progressive Association has appreciated Governor Samuel Ortom, his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu, Senator Abba Moro and Igede Traditional Council under the leadership of Chief Ogah Ero for their quick intervention in the crisis between Ukpa and Ibilla communities of Oju Local Government that led to wanton destruction of property. This was contained in a communiqué issued by the association at the end of the association’s annual delegates conference tagged, ‘Itogo Day.’
Signed by the National President, Fidelis Ogbu and Secretary, Sunday Abari, the communiqué commended the governor’s efforts in areas of education, agriculture, health infrastructure and most especially, the security sector which it said has witnessed tremendous breakthrough due to the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
It also, appreciated Samson Ukwu, Agnes Erebe and all those who facilitated the release of Elijah Ode, an indigene of Obi Local Government from Sharia Court in Kano State as well as the inclusion of Itogo council ward for rural electrification and the rehabilitation of Efukor axis of Itogo road.
The association which sued for peace and unity among the various clans in the area also charged the clans to educate their subjects on the dangers of anti-social behaviour such as child trafficking, drug abuse, kidnapping, cultism and illicit bush burning, warning that perpetrators would be made to face the full wrath of law if apprehended.
The Itogo Progressives Association however, appealed to Governor Ortom to construct the Aliade-Obarike Ito road to alleviate the sufferings of the people, especially during rainy season.