By Mercy Gadia
Apochi Nelson Owoicho on Monday condemned the recent attack on Ankpali community in Apa-Agatu, Benue State, which reportedly left at least nine persons dead, warning that persistent violence in the area threatens livelihoods and national food security.
In a press statement issued in Ugbokpo, Apa Local Government Area, Owoicho described the incident as part of a “disturbing and sustained wave of violence” that has continued to ravage communities across the region.
He said, “The attack in Ankpali, which claimed nine lives, is yet another painful reminder of the worsening security situation. Communities are left in fear while waiting for decisive action.”
The statement noted that Apa-Agatu had in recent months recorded repeated cases of killings, abductions, and attacks on vulnerable residents, with Owoicho lamenting that the incidents had become a “tragic and defining reality” for the people.
Highlighting the impact of the crisis, he said economic activities had been crippled, while residents were unable to access their farmlands due to fear of attacks.
“This crisis has grounded entire communities. Markets are no longer active, schools and hospitals have shut down, and people are barely surviving. Agriculture, which is our primary source of livelihood, has become nearly impossible,” he said.
Owoicho also linked the insecurity in the area to the growing challenge of food insecurity in the country, warning that continued attacks on farming communities could have far-reaching consequences for national stability and economic growth.
Following consultations with security agencies and residents, he claimed that the situation on the ground was more severe than widely reported, citing what he described as a near absence of government presence in several affected communities.
“Our people deserve to return to their lives. They deserve to go back to their farms and return to their homes to sleep with their eyes closed in peace,” he added.
He called on the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to urgently visit Apa-Agatu to assess the situation firsthand and take decisive steps to address the crisis.
Owoicho further urged the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected communities, alongside the provision of necessary resources to safeguard lives and property.
“We need solutions and we need them now. The impact of this crisis extends beyond Apa-Agatu and poses serious implications for the entire nation,” he said.