2027: BENUE LAWMAKER RAISES THE ALARM OVER INSECURITY
The state lawmaker representing Agatu state constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Godwin Edoh, has raised the alarm that conducting 2027 general elections in the local government may be difficult unless government decisively tackles the incessant attacks on the people of the area.
Edo spoke with journalists in Makurdi while decrying the insecurity in the local government.
He noted that for the past four years, several communities in the council had been deserted due to recurring fulani herdsmen attacks.
He said, “As I speak to you now, in Obagaji (headquarters of Agatu) for instance, we have deployment of Air Force, soldiers, special police squad and Civil Defense personnel.
“Despite the presence of these security agents, all the people from hinterlands have relocated to the LG headquarters in Obagaji.
“Some of those villages in the hinterland have been deserted, the people can no longer engage in farming and fishing because those are the two sources of livelihoods in the council.
He added, “My fear is that if this attack continues unchecked it will be difficult for the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct the 2027 general elections in the areas, because they are not accessible right now.
Edoh lamented that all basic amenities in the affected communities such as schools, markets and primary healthcare centers have been destroyed by the attackers.
The lawmaker however lauded the directive of the state governor, Hyacinth Alia directing the security agents to flush out criminal elements in the forest that are terrorising the people of the local government.
He expressed optimism that if the governor’s directive is diligently carried out, it will help reduce the attack and allow the people to return to their ancestral homes.
Edoh also appealed to both federal and state governments to include the local government in the ongoing housing scheme for internally displaced persons to help them return homes and start a new life.
It will be recalled that several IDPS camped in Obagaji few weeks ago thronged out in their numbers to protest the pains and agony of not being able to return to their ancestral homes due to incessant attacks on their communities.
