Godwin Edoh, the representative of Agatu state constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, has called upon President Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and security agencies to put an end to the recurring killings in the area.

During a visit to the areas affected by the recent herdsmen attack in Agatu, Edoh strongly condemned the brutal attack on the defenseless Agatu natives and expressed deep concern about the extensive destruction.

Accompanied by a joint patrol team of security agencies, Edoh conducted the tour to assess the impact of the attack on the communities and offer condolences for the loss of lives and property.

He highlighted that the attack resulted in numerous communities, including Ikpelle Gochi and Ikpelle Gope in Agatu West, being completely deserted, with women and children fleeing while only a few young people remained in the villages.

Edoh also mentioned that other communities such as Ogwumogbo, Ejima Gega, and Ejima Geche, which experienced house burnings and the loss of five lives in last year’s attack, have remained deserted with armed herdsmen occupying the villages.

Following a recent attack on Okokolo, near Ikpelle, resulting in two deaths and the burning of several houses, residents of Ikpelle have fled due to concerns that Ikpelle and Warri could be the next targets in Agatu West.

During the visit, the community appealed to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Rev. Hyacinth Alia to deploy military forces to the borders of Ogbumogbo in Agatu West and Okokolo in Agatu North to prevent future attacks.

Edoh assured the stakeholders and community leaders that addressing this issue is a top priority. He expressed deep concern over the loss of lives and properties and the hindrance faced by the people in accessing their farms and ancestral lands due to ongoing attacks.

The lawmaker pledged to present a motion on the floor of the Benue State House of Assembly once the House resumes from recess. He also committed to writing letters to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that the affected communities receive relief materials while working towards a permanent solution.

Edoh called for collaboration among stakeholders and announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to find legal and legitimate means to defend and protect Agatu from invaders.