Politics
Benue lawmaker calls on president Tinubu to address escalating violence in Otukpo
Blessing Onuh, the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has raised an urgent call for intervention from President Bola Tinubu regarding the growing insecurity in Otukpo, Benue State.
Onuh described the ongoing attacks and killings as a national emergency that requires immediate and serious attention from the federal government.
The lawmaker expressed her deep concern over the alarming frequency of violent incidents in her constituency, citing the recent brutal murder of a retired customs officer, Onche Akatu, in Asa 2 community. Two members of Akatu’s family were also abducted during the attack.
Additionally, Onuh highlighted the senseless killing of Mrs. Felicia Ochigbo, a nursing mother, in the Old NTA Area of Asa, and the murder of an Igbo man in the community. Just last month, in Okpomoju Community in Okete Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area, suspected herdsmen killed five men, which has led to widespread panic.
Onuh also pointed out that these killings and kidnappings have become so frequent that it now feels as though they have become a sad norm.
She expressed frustration with the perceived inaction of security agencies, noting that after each attack, officials at both the state and local levels merely issue statements declaring that they are “on top of the matter,” but no real action is taken.
She questioned why the perpetrators are not being apprehended and why peace is not being restored, allowing residents to live without fear.
The lawmaker further expressed that the constant insecurity has forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to a worsening food shortage in the region. With many residents now fleeing their homes to escape the violence, Onuh stressed the growing sense of fear among her people.
Onuh appealed to President Tinubu to take decisive action by directing security forces to intensify efforts to arrest the culprits and bring them to justice.
She also pleaded with her constituents, particularly the youth, to avoid taking matters into their own hands through jungle justice or reprisal attacks, as this would only make the situation worse.
Onuh reassured her people that she would continue to work closely with political leaders and security agencies to ensure that these heinous acts are brought to an end, and peace is restored in Otukpo and surrounding areas. She emphasized that the people deserve to live in peace and safety.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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I’m still in PDP – Wike replies Turaki, dismisses expulsion
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