By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Comrade Abba Moro, has condemned the renewed wave of attacks on communities in Benue South by suspected armed herdsmen, warning that the worsening insecurity could trigger a major crisis if urgent action is not taken.

The latest attacks reportedly occurred in Akpachi community in Ugboju-Ehaje and Otukpo Nobi, both in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, where several people were killed and many others injured.

Two persons were reportedly murdered when gunmen invaded Akpachi on Friday, while another deadly attack on Otukpo Nobi in the early hours of Sunday left several residents dead and others with varying degrees of injuries.

Reacting in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Senator Moro expressed deep concern over what he described as the increasing frequency of attacks on communities in his senatorial district.

According to him, “It is deeply disturbing that these attacks are escalating instead of abating. If these senseless killings are not urgently brought under control, a major crisis may erupt because our people cannot continue to fold their arms while they are being killed in cold blood.”

The lawmaker called on the Federal Government, Benue state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and property, stressing that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary responsibility of government as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Moro also decried the ambush of a funeral convoy conveying the remains of Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Augustine Ikwue, to his hometown of Ai-Ode in Upu community, Otukpo LGA, for burial.

The convoy was reportedly attacked in Kogi State, with several mourners abducted by gunmen who later demanded ransom.

Describing the incident as shocking and inhumane, the senator said, “It is difficult to comprehend how anyone could attack and kidnap people who were already grieving the loss of a loved one. Such cruelty is unacceptable and must be condemned by all.”

He sympathised with the Ikwue family over the loss of their son and the trauma inflicted on his friends and colleagues, urging security agencies to pursue the kidnappers relentlessly to ensure the safe rescue of the abductees.

While praying for their safe return, Senator Moro also extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks on Benue communities, assuring them that he would continue to press for decisive action to end the bloodshed in the state.