Hon. Blessing Onuh Urges Tinubu to Order Immediate Military Intervention in Benue After Fresh Killings

 

The member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Blessing Onyeche Onuh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately deploy military forces to parts of Benue State following renewed attacks that have claimed more than 50 lives within the last one month.

In a letter dated July 28, 2026, addressed to the President, the lawmaker described the security situation in her constituency as alarming, saying residents of several communities are living in fear due to persistent attacks by armed assailants.

“I write to you today on behalf of the traumatized and grief-stricken people of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State, with a heavy and bleeding heart,” Onuh stated.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport appealed for the immediate deployment of a Joint Task Force (JTF) to the affected communities, the establishment of a permanent security base, and the speedy construction of the proposed Otukpo Army Barracks to strengthen security in the area.

According to her, communities including Otukpo-Nobi, Akpachi-Ugboju, Agadagba, and Efeyi have suffered repeated coordinated attacks in recent weeks, resulting in deaths, injuries, displacement, and widespread destruction.

She lamented that hundreds of residents have been forced to flee their homes while farmers can no longer access their farmlands because of the recurring violence.

“The recent wave of violence has forced hundreds of helpless citizens to abandon their homes and means of livelihood out of fear. Our farmers can no longer access their farms. Families now live in constant fear because of these recurring attacks,” she said.

Hon. Onuh noted that beyond the tragic loss of lives, the attacks have disrupted agricultural activities, displaced families, and worsened the humanitarian situation across the affected communities.

While commending the Federal Government and security agencies for successes recorded against insurgency in other parts of the country, she maintained that the security presence in Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency remains inadequate.

She urged President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, conduct sustained operations to apprehend those behind the attacks, and ensure they are brought to justice.

The lawmaker also appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance for displaced residents, including food supplies, temporary shelter, medical care, and psychosocial support.

Describing the proposed Otukpo Army Barracks as an urgent necessity rather than a developmental project, Onuh said a permanent military presence would significantly improve rapid response to security threats and help restore lasting peace.

She expressed optimism that swift federal intervention would enable displaced residents to return to their communities and allow farmers to resume their livelihoods.

The appeal comes amid renewed concerns over recurring attacks in parts of Benue State, with residents and stakeholders intensifying calls for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.

— EbonyNaija Media
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