The escalating wave of violent attacks and kidnappings in Otukpo has prompted an urgent appeal from Blessing Onuh, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
She has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to curb the worsening security crisis in the area.
Describing the situation as a national emergency, Onuh lamented the frequency of killings and abductions, which have left residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
She pointed to the recent murder of a retired customs officer, Onche Akatu, in Asa 2 community, where two members of his family were also abducted.
The gruesome killing of Mrs. Felicia Ochigbo, a nursing mother, in the Old NTA Area of Asa, and the murder of an Igbo man in the same community, further illustrate the deteriorating security situation.
Last month, five men were reportedly killed in Okpomoju Community in Okete Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area, by suspected herdsmen, leading to widespread fear and displacement of residents.
Onuh expressed frustration over what she perceives as a lack of decisive action from security agencies, accusing them of merely issuing statements after each attack without tangible results.
She questioned why security forces have failed to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace in the affected areas.
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The lawmaker warned that the continued insecurity is forcing farmers to abandon their lands, exacerbating food shortages and economic hardship in the region.
Onuh called on President Tinubu to direct security agencies to intensify their efforts in apprehending the criminals responsible for these attacks.
She also urged youths and other affected individuals not to resort to jungle justice, emphasizing that retaliation would only worsen the situation.
Reaffirming her commitment to working with political leaders and security officials, Onuh assured residents that efforts were underway to restore peace and security to Otukpo and its environs.
She emphasized that every Nigerian deserves to live in safety and dignity, free from the constant threat of violence.