By Egbe Attah
Following the attack on Okpobula community in Ado Local Government of Benue State, by suspected Effium militia from Ebonyi State which left about 21 Ezza indigenes of Benue dead and properties worth millions of naira destroyed, the Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Sen. Abba Moro, has condemned the attack in strong terms.
Sen. Moro, who decried the incessant attacks on the community wondered what the unrepentant aggressors stand to gain from mindlessly attacking and killing of innocent people in the community all the time.
A statement by Moro’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Eche-Ofun, accessed by The Voice on Thursday said the senator identified with Ado people, the Ezza in particular, at this trying moment, adding that he would continue to engage the critical stakeholders to bring to an end the lingering crisis.
The statement maintained that the lawmaker charged security agents to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to book.
He appealed to the people to remain calm and corporate with the security agents to deal with the situation, and not embarking on reprisals.
Similarly, Member representing Ado Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs Uloko condemned the attack and killing of her constituents at Okpobula, Apa Council Ward of Ado Local Government.
In a statement signed by the lawmaker, she urged the security agencies to immediately swing into action to bring the culprits to book, stating that all necessary measures must be put in place to stop the deteriorating situation.
Uloko, maintained that the attackers should be made to pay for their heinous crimes, while describing the ugly development as unfortunate, adding that government has been doing all it could to maintain peace in the state.
The parliamentarian appreciated Ado Local Government Council Chairman, James Oche for his swift action to bring the situation under control, even as she called on the people to remain calm as she would work with the state and local government, relevant agencies and individuals to bring the needed support to them.
On his own part, Member representing Ado-Ogbadibo- Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Dr Francis Agbo has condemned Tuesday’s attack on Okpobula community of Ado Local Government of Benue State.
Dr Agbo, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Andrew Agbese, on Thursday, sympathized with the victims of the attacks and called on the security agencies to move swiftly to bring to book, those behind the coordinated attacks.
The statement read in part: “To my utter shock and disappointment, one of the communities in my constituency, Okpobula in Apa ward of Ado Local Government Area has come under attack from yet to be identified assailants.
“The attack which was said to have occurred in the early hours of Tuesday has resulted in the death of many and in the destruction of property worth millions of naira.
“I condemn this wanton act of violence and needless bloodletting as it does not represent our beliefs in the sanctity of human lives.
“I share in the grief of the families of the victims and call on the security agencies to move swiftly to apprehend those behind the attack and ensure restoration of law and order.”
Recall that the Okpobula area of Apa Ward, Ado Local Government came under attack by people suspected to be Effium militia from Ebonyi State killing innocent Ezza constituents and destroying properties.