Benue: Anxiety Grips Residents, Travellers As Kidnappers Take Over Owukpa Communities

Kidnappers have found a secure haven in Owukpa, situated in the Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Currently, more than ten communities are facing a state of siege, as kidnappers instill fear and terrorize the local residents.

Fear now envelopes the previously peaceful neighborhoods of Ankpa, Odobe, Umufu, Ubafu, Atamaka, Ai-Fam, and nearby areas, as criminal elements unleash terror with impunity, causing distress among residents.

It has been noted that in the last five months, over 100 individuals have become victims of kidnappings, with specific routes demonstrating a heightened level of danger.

The Aho-Ankpa road and Atakama-Ugbugbu road have become infamous as focal points for criminal activities..

Also, the Orokam-Owukpa road and Okpoga-Aifam road have witnessed several incidents.

This has raised concerns about the safety of travelers along these routes.

It was learnt that recently, a family of eight was kidnapped on Atamaka road.

It was gathered that the criminals communicated in both Hausa and Fulani languages fluently.

This development has instilled fear in Owukpa residents, prompting them to move in convoys for safety.

During the festive season, a resident of the community, known only as John, was abducted on his wedding night while returning from Aho Ogbo market. The family had to provide a ransom for his release.

Likewise, Engr Raymond and his wife, Mrs Cordelia Agada, were recently kidnapped along the Owukpa-Aifam-Okpoga road.

In response to the growing menace, the women of Owukpa took a decisive step in 2023 by invoking the deity Ekwuanya against any member of Owukpa engaged in kidnapping activities.

However, this spiritual intervention appeared to have minimal or no effect on curbing the prevailing menace.

Yet, the impact of this spiritual intervention seems to have been limited or ineffective in addressing the ongoing threat.

HRH Emmanuel Odeh, the traditional ruler of Ogbadibo, in an interview with DAILY POST, expressed deep concern about the alarming security situation.

He identified the vulnerability of Owukpa due to its proximity to neighbouring states Enugu and Ebonyi, porous borders, and vast forest areas as the major reasons behind the mayhem.

Odeh criticised the government’s inadequate response, pointing out the shortage of law enforcement personnel in Owukpa and the ban on civilian gun ownership, leaving residents defenseless against well-armed kidnappers.

He said, “The insecurity issue in Owukpa is well beyond our control, primarily due to our proximity to two neighbouring states- Enugu and Ebonyi.

“This leaves us vulnerable to external attacks, compounded by the extensive forest areas that provide cover for kidnappers.

“The crux of the matter lies in the insufficient efforts from the government.

“For instance, Owukpa lacks even six policemen and critical areas like Eke Akpa, Aho Ogbo, Ipole Owukpa or Ai Fam have no police presence whatsoever.

“I have been requesting this for over 10 years, but the government claims they lack a sufficient number of police officers.

“This is a serious concern for a community with a population of over 139,000.

“Compounding the problem is the fact that those attempting to confront the criminals are armed only with dane guns, a stark mismatch against the sophisticated weapons wielded by the perpetrators.”

Amos Agada, the Commander of Constabulary Police in Ehaje II, expressed deep concern about the situation, describing it as disturbing.

He told DAILY POST, “As we speak, nowhere is safe in Owukpa again. At the moment, they are seriously operating in Ipiga Ai-Odu.

“In fact, just yesterday, they hijacked a fully-loaded bus and kidnapped all passengers. They have not even contacted the families yet.”

He also lamented the lack of essential weapons for the vigilante group in the village to confront the kidnappers.

However, he stressed the need for more support from the government, particularly in the provision of weapons to enhance their effectiveness in tackling the security challenges.

“We are doing our best with the limited resources available, but additional support, especially in the form of weapons, is crucial to bolster our efforts against these criminals,” he said.