Owukpa, situated in the Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, has transformed into a haven for kidnappers.
More than ten communities find themselves under siege, with criminals instilling terror among the populace.
Once peaceful places like Ankpa, Odobe, Umufu, Ubafu, Atamaka, Ai-Fam, and their environs now grapple with fear as criminal elements operate with impunity, targeting residents and even commuters.
Over the past five months, the toll of kidnapping victims has exceeded 100, particularly on routes like Aho-Ankpa, Atakama-Ugbugbu, Orokam-Owukpa, and Okpoga-Aifam, which have gained notoriety as hotspots for criminal activities.
Concerns regarding the safety of travelers along these routes have escalated, with recent incidents such as the kidnapping of a family of eight on the Atamaka road, where the kidnappers, fluent in both Hausa and Fulani languages, demanded a ransom under the threat of harm.
This surge in criminal activities has prompted residents to move in convoys for safety.
Even during festive periods, incidents like the abduction of a native named John on his wedding night while returning from Aho Ogbo market highlight the pervasive threat.
Engr. Raymond and his wife, Mrs Cordelia Agada, also fell victim along the Owukpa-Aifam-Okpoga road.
In response to the escalating threats, the women of Owukpa invoked the deity Ekwuanya in 2023 against any son of Owukpa involved in kidnapping.
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Despite this spiritual intervention, the situation persists, and the presence of local community guards has not deterred kidnappers from operating with impunity.
HRH Emmanuel Odeh, the traditional ruler of Ogbadibo, expressed deep concern about the security situation, attributing Owukpa’s vulnerability to its proximity to neighboring states Enugu and Ebonyi, porous borders, and vast forest areas.
Odeh criticized the government’s inadequate response, citing the shortage of law enforcement personnel in Owukpa and the ban on civilian gun ownership, which leaves 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 Constabulary Police Commander in Ehaje II, voiced profound apprehension regarding the situation, characterizing it as unsettling.
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 expressed his sorrow over the absence of crucial weaponry for the village vigilante group to confront kidnappers.
Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity for increased government support, specifically in supplying weapons to bolster their ability to address the security challenges more effectively.
“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.
(DAILY POST)