—- Says Oche’s efforts to restore calm in Benue communities yield results

By Dayo Johnson

The Ado Diaspora Union in the United States, has commended Engr. Sunny Oche, Chairman of Ado Local Government Area in Benue State, for curbing insecurity and restoring peace in troubled Eza, Apa, and Agila communities.

High Chief Michael Otokpa, President-General of the group, said incidents of killings, abduction, and communal clashes have dropped significantly since Oche assumed office.

Otokpa, in a statement,applauded the council boss for prioritising the protection of lives and property, noting that incidents of killings, abduction and communal clashes have dropped significantly since he assumed office.

The group recalled that Eza, Apa and Agila communities had for years been engulfed in violent conflicts, resulting in loss of lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira, but said the situation has improved under Oche’s leadership.

It also noted that the proliferation of illegal arms, including AK-47 rifles allegedly supplied to warring factions in the past, has been curtailed through the chairman’s interventions.

According to the diaspora body, the recent move by the council to set up a peace and reconciliation committee is a step in the right direction and would further consolidate stability in the area.

The union urged other local government leaders to emulate Oche’s approach to grassroots security, describing it as complementary to the efforts of the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Alia to tackle banditry.

Meanwhile, the council boss’ security efforts recorded a major breakthrough with the conviction of nine out of ten suspects arrested over the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church in Ojeji community.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a night vigil, sparking widespread concern across Ado Local Government Area.

Oche said the incident triggered a swift response from joint security operatives, leading to the safe rescue of all the abducted worshippers without casualties.

He disclosed that the operation, driven by credible intelligence, led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of arms and ammunition, disrupting the criminal network.

Among those apprehended were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, whose arrests paved the way for further breakthroughs, bringing the total number of suspects to ten.

The chairman commended the professionalism of security agencies, particularly the Police Intelligence Response Team, for their prompt intervention and coordination.

He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and his deputy, Sam Odeh, for their support in tackling insecurity in the area.

Oche further lauded the Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes and other security outfits for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the operation.

He said the outcome of the case has restored public confidence in the security architecture and demonstrated government’s commitment to protecting citizens.

The chairman also expressed gratitude to the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, for his prayers and support.

As part of efforts to sustain peace, Oche announced plans to inaugurate a broad-based Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address lingering tensions between Eza and Apa communities.

He said the committee, comprising security chiefs, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, as well as professionals, would investigate the root causes of the crisis and recommend lasting solutions.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at fostering dialogue, strengthening unity and preventing a recurrence of violence in the affected communities.