Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri says recent attacks in Benue may be linked to reprisals following the killing of MACBAN Chairman Ardo Risku Mohammed, even as MACBAN urges the public not to jump to conclusions.
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| Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri has suggested that the recent attacks on communities in the area may be connected to reprisals following the killing of the Benue MACBAN chairman. |
The remarks come as security agencies continue investigations into the coordinated attacks that have left communities devastated, while residents and stakeholders express differing views on what may have triggered the violence.
At least 18 people were reported killed in the attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities over the weekend, while another reported attack on Ondo community in Ugboju District has heightened fears that insecurity in the area may be worsening.
Speaking on the latest attacks, Ogiri said the incidents appeared to bear the hallmarks of reprisals following the June 26 killing of Ardo Risku Mohammed and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed at Okutu community in Otukpo while returning from a peace meeting held in Idekpa, Ohimini Local Government Area.
The peace meeting had reportedly been convened by the Divisional Police Officer of Ohimini to address recurring security challenges in parts of Benue South.
"You know, I am sure the news of the death of Ardo Risku Mohammed is no longer news to you, and with the mindset of the people we are dealing with, you should also know that reprisals will likely occur," Ogiri said.
The chairman explained that the violence began with an attack on farmers in Akpachi village, where three villagers had gone to work on their farms.
According to him, armed men attacked the group, killing two of them while one survivor escaped and alerted the community.
The victims' bodies were recovered the following day and buried after local residents searched the surrounding bushes.
However, while the community believed the attackers had fled, another assault occurred just hours later.
"We had combed the bushes believing the attackers had fled, but early Sunday morning, around 4 a.m., we received reports that they had besieged Otukpo-Nobi, killing several people and injuring many others," Ogiri added.
The Otukpo-Nobi attack sparked widespread outrage across the local government area, with grieving residents staging protests and demanding stronger government intervention to halt recurring violence.
While acknowledging the tragedy, the Benue State chapter of MACBAN has cautioned against attributing responsibility for the attacks to Fulani herders before security agencies conclude their investigations.
In a statement signed by the association's State Secretary, Ibrahim Gamla, MACBAN condemned the killing of residents and expressed sympathy with affected families.
The association, however, argued that allegations linking the attacks to Fulani communities should be treated with caution.
According to MACBAN, Fulani residents had largely been forced out of Otukpo and neighbouring communities during previous security crises, making assumptions about the identity of the attackers premature.
"It is important for the public to note that all Fulani residents in Otukpo and its environs were forcefully evicted from the area sometime last year," the statement said.
The association further appealed to the public to allow investigators to establish the facts before drawing conclusions.
"We therefore call on the general public to refrain from linking this incident to a reprisal attack over the killing of Ardo Risku in Okutu near Ohimini."
The Benue State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of 17 suspects, including several traditional rulers, in connection with the killing of the MACBAN chairman and his associate.
Police say investigations remain ongoing, with authorities pursuing additional leads aimed at identifying everyone involved in the June 26 killings.
Whether the Otukpo attacks are connected to that earlier incident remains one of the key issues investigators are expected to determine.
So far, security agencies have not officially established any link between the two events.
As anxiety continues to spread across Otukpo, the Och'Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye, has ordered all armed herders and criminal elements to vacate every part of the Otukpo Kingdom immediately.
In a statement issued through the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Udeh Adole, the traditional ruler said the directive was necessary to protect lives and restore public confidence following the recent wave of violence.
The palace expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting communities and urged security agencies to enforce law and order while ensuring that innocent residents are protected.
The directive reflects increasing frustration among traditional institutions, many of which have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.
As investigations continue, residents remain hopeful that authorities will not only uncover those responsible for the latest killings but also implement lasting measures to prevent another cycle of violence in one of Benue's most affected local government areas.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as official investigations progress.
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