Apa/Agatu Killings: Women, Youths Embark On Major Protests, Demand Govt Intervention .... Protesters Insist On Gov Alia's Visit To Victims

From Gabriel Agbo, Makurdi 
Thousands of women and youth in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State,on Wednesday, staged major protests following a surge in killings by suspected armed herdsmen in Apa and Agatu local government areas of the State. 

The Wednesday demonstration was triggered by the fresh attacks on Edikwu - Ànkpali, Ikobi and Adija communities in Apa and  Atakpa community in Agatu local government areas of the state by armed herders, leading to the death of 16 persons between Friday last week to Tuesday this week.

The protesters marched through the streets of Ugbokpo and blocked the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Federal Highway, leaving many commuters stranded for hours.

They were seen carrying placards with various inscriptions, demanding for urgent and immediate actions from government to end the insecurity and Incessant Killings in their local areas.

Some of the inscriptions read; "Statements are not enough. We need action now". "The Governor must visit Apa-Agatu. We are tired of statements". "Come to Apa-Agatu and see the reality, Apa-Agatu needs action". "The Governor must visit immediately; This cannot continue Visit Apa-Agatu and take action". "Statements are not enough. Our people are suffering. Statements are not enough". "We need the Governor in Apa-Agatu now. Come and see for yourself. Apa-Agatu needs action, not statements". "Lives are being lost. Statements are not enough. Visit Apa-Agatu now. #SecureApaAgatu". "We demand action. The Governor must come to Apa-Agatu and address this crisis".

One of the leaders of the protesters identified as Vincent ochofie Odebugu from Apa local government area, lamented that the prolonged silence of the state and federal governments over the unending attacks in the area has made life unbearable and insecure for them.

He insisted that it is time for the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia immediately visit Apa-Agatu to see the reality on the ground firsthand and engage directly with affected communities.

He further stated that the security presence across Apa-Agatu must be significantly strengthened, with adequate personnel, logistics, and equipment deployed to protect lives and property.

"We have demanded that security outposts must be establish  in the most affected communities to ensure sustained protection and rapid response. Communities must be supported through coordinated local security structures, working in collaboration with formal security agencies.

Another leader, Igbe Bawa  decried the prolonged silent of governor Alia, saying that the people of his communities have be  chased out of their home. 

"We must see measurable results and see people returning to their homes and farms, economic activities resuming, and communities restored to normal life otherwise we will continue with these protests.

"The government must provide clear and regular updates on actions taken, so communities can see progress and rebuild trust and ensure that immediate steps are taken to rebuild destroyed communities, enabling displaced people to return to their homes with dignity for us to stop our actions", Bawa added.