The House of Representatives has called for an investigation into the robbery attack and gruesome killings of Police Officers and citizens of Otukpo Community in Benue State.
The resolution was sequel to a Matter Of Urgent Public Importance, moved by Onuh Onyeche Blessing.
The motion titled “Urgent Need To Investigate The Robbery Attack And Gruesome Killings Of Police Officers And Citizens Of Otukpo Community In Benue State” noted that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of its citizens.
The motion further noted that “On Friday the 20″ October, 2023 at about 3pm, Otukpo a relatively peaceful town in Benu& State was invaded by heavily armed gunmen numbering over twenty. These gunmen held the community under siege for over two hours. They wrecked havoc using rocket launcher, dynamites, AK 47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons. Aware that these yet to be identified gunmen started their killing spray by attacking the vigilante group which is the first line in the homeland security. They thereafter proceeded to the Otukpo Police Station, killing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other female police officers. While the attack on the police Station was ongoing, other members of the gang were busy attacking four Commercial banks simultaneously, killing and carting away huge sum of money. Also aware that the banks attacked were, Stanbic IBTC, Zenith, UBA and First Bank. Several persons were killed in the bank premises and many others sustained gunshot injurics. Concerned that residents a ently feeling traumatized by last Friday’s iNcident and are greatly feeling Unsafe.“
It also said that“Worried that the Security architecture of Otukpo Community, particularly the police and vigilante are badly demoralized more worrisom is that the Commercial and business activities are currently in Otukpo an Benue South as a whole. Banks and other commercial institutions have completely shut down operations.“
The House therefore unanimously condemn in strong terms the gruesome and brutal killing of security personnel, bank officials and other law abiding members of the community
The House urged the Nigerian police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other Security agencies to as a matter of urgency, make the effort to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous act adding that the government should as a matter of urgency increase the security architecture within the town and it’s environs to prevent recurrence
The Mover of the motion also pleased that the House should set up a committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The house observed a minute silence in honour of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) other security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the attack.
