A member of the House of Representatives representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State, Onyeche Blessing Onuh, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security operations following renewed attacks in parts of the constituency.
In a letter dated 28 July 2026 and addressed to the President, the lawmaker expressed concern over the worsening security situation, saying repeated attacks had resulted in deaths, injuries and the displacement of residents.
Onuh urged the Federal Government to reinforce military and other security operations in the affected communities and consider establishing a permanent Joint Task Force (JTF) to improve response to security threats.
The lawmaker also called for humanitarian assistance for displaced persons and appealed for the speedy establishment of the proposed Otukpo Army Barracks to enhance security in the area.
According to the letter, communities including Otukpo-Nobi, Akpachi-Ugboju, Agadagba and Efeyi have experienced repeated attacks by armed assailants in recent weeks.
Onuh claimed that more than 50 people had been killed within the past month, while many others were injured or remain unaccounted for. The claims could not be independently verified.
The lawmaker said the violence had forced many residents to flee their homes, disrupted farming activities and affected livelihoods across the constituency.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to address insecurity in other parts of the country, Onuh said the current security presence in the affected communities was insufficient to contain the attacks.
The lawmaker urged the President to approve additional deployment of military personnel, police and other security agencies, supported by improved intelligence gathering and sustained operations to identify and prosecute those responsible for the attacks.
Onuh also appealed for emergency relief, including food, shelter, healthcare and psychosocial support for affected families and displaced persons.
The lawmaker further called for the accelerated construction of the proposed Otukpo Army Barracks, describing it as an important measure to strengthen security and improve rapid response to future threats.
Despite the security challenges, Onuh urged residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies, expressing optimism that stronger intervention would restore normalcy and enable displaced people to return to their communities.
The latest appeal comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, where recurring attacks have prompted calls from political leaders and community stakeholders for more effective measures to safeguard lives and property.
