Senator Abba Moro to Lead Benue Youth Security Summit, youth’s pledge to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state
From Our Reporter.
The ongoing security challenges in various parts of Benue State have resulted in significant loss of lives and property. In response, the Edumoga Youth Association (EYA), which represents over 250 communities in the Edumoga district of Okpokwu Local Government Area, has decided to hold an expanded security summit aimed at addressing these pressing issues.
The EYA, primarily composed of farmers, has voiced urgent concerns regarding the rising incidents of kidnapping, farmer-herder clashes, cultism among youth, and other criminal activities.
The leaders of the association believe that these issues need to be collectively tackled to put an end to the ongoing violence.
In an interview, Alhaji Lucky Itodo, the National President of EYA, explained that the residents of these communities have lost their sense of security due to the persistent threats they face. He pointed out that the lack of law enforcement presence and large ungoverned areas have exacerbated insecurity. The Edumoga district, home to approximately 900,000 people, has not had any police presence since it was created.
Itodo noted that the nearest police station is located in Okpoga, about 100 kilometers away, leaving the communities vulnerable to serious security threats such as farmer-herder conflicts, kidnappings, armed robbery, and an increase in cult-related activities.
He lamented the long-standing absence of security personnel in the area, stating that the community has relied on local vigilante groups for protection. “We must come together as a community to find solutions for our safety and take control of our future,” he said.
The association aims to create a comprehensive plan to address these security challenges and support government initiatives to improve safety. They are also considering building and donating a police station to the Nigerian Police to ensure a stronger security presence.
Itodo highlighted the distressing reality that these communities, despite housing about 900,000 residents, lack basic security infrastructure amidst a surge in criminal activities. “Residents face theft and armed robbery, especially on market days,” he emphasized.
Youths from the Edumoga region, both locally and in the diaspora, are uniting under the EYA to seek solutions. “We all understand that security is vital for the progress and survival of any society. We can no longer wait for the government to intervene; it is a collective responsibility,” he asserted.
The president also noted the devastating impact of cultism, which has led to the deaths of many innocent youths and numerous kidnappings, with families often forced to pay heavy ransoms. He believes that an enhanced security presence could significantly reduce these incidents.
“It often takes hours for security forces stationed at the local government headquarters to respond to emergencies due to the distance. A police station closer to the communities would bring some level of safety, and that is our aspiration,” he said.
The summit, themed “Security Threat, Mitigation, and Awareness Creation,” will culminate in the formal inauguration of the Edumoga Youth Association by Hon. Adah Matthew Inalegwu, the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Scheduled for December 27th and 28th, the event is expected to attract attendees from the entire Edumoga community, including elected officials and appointees.
