Stakeholders from the Apa and Agatu local government areas in Benue State have called on the Federal Government to take decisive measures to stop the recurring attacks and killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in these regions.
The call to action was part of resolutions reached during security meetings held over the weekend. These meetings were convened by Hon. Pst Ojotu Ojema, the Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Standing Committee on National Inland Waterways, at the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo.
Disturbed by the ongoing violence, Ojema organized separate security meetings with stakeholders from Agatu on Friday, May 17, and from Apa on Saturday, May 18, 2024, upon his return from the United States.
In a united resolution, the stakeholders from both Apa and Agatu LGAs urged the Federal Government to promptly address the renewed insecurity. They highlighted the severe loss of lives and the destruction of properties worth billions of naira.
During the meetings, Ojema expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for attending on short notice. He emphasized the persistent nature of the killings and destructions in the Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, which have resisted all previous efforts and solutions. He stressed the necessity for a new approach, which was the purpose of the convened meetings.
A minute of silence was observed in memory of those who had lost their lives, and prayers were offered for the security, peace, unity, and development of the Apa and Agatu LGAs.
The stakeholders’ appeal underscores the urgent need for effective intervention to restore peace and security in the affected areas.
