Benue: Abba Moro condemns fresh attacks, ambush on FRSC officer’s funeral convoy

The senator representing Benue South and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has condemned the renewed attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders, describing the escalating violence as disturbing and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro decried the attacks on Akpachi community in Ugboju-Ehaje and Otukpo-Nobi community, which reportedly claimed at least 10 lives and left several others injured.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the attacks were becoming more frequent rather than subsiding, warning that failure to urgently address the killings could trigger a major crisis.

He said the people could not continue to watch helplessly as innocent residents were killed in cold blood, urging governments at all levels and security agencies to take decisive steps to guarantee the safety of lives and property in Benue South, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

Moro also lamented the ambush on the funeral convoy conveying the remains of Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine O. Ikwue, in Kogi State.

According to the senator, the remains of the late FRSC officer were being conveyed to his hometown, Ai-Ode in Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, for burial when the convoy came under attack and several mourners were abducted.

He described the attack as inhumane, questioning how grieving mourners could be targeted and kidnapped for ransom while escorting the remains of a loved one for burial.

The Senate Minority Leader sympathised with the Ikwue family over the death of their son and the ordeal suffered by his friends and colleagues who were abducted during the attack.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and ensure that those responsible for the attack are apprehended and brought to justice.

While praying for the safe return of the abductees, Moro also extended his condolences to the families of those killed in the recent attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, assuring them of his solidarity during the difficult period.