House Of Reps Condemns Benue Bank Robbery

The House of representatives has strongly condemned the gruesome and brutal killing of of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), security personnel, bank staff and other persons in Otukpo local government area of Benue State last Friday.

The House also urged the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to make frantic effort to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of that heinous act.

It further asked government to as a matter of urgency, increase the security architecture within Otukpo town and its environs to prevent recurrence.

These resolutions were sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, sponsored by Hon. Blessing Onuh, the member representing Otukpo/Ohimini, Federal Constituency of Benue State.

Presenting the motion, Onuh informed that on Friday October, 20 2023 at about 3pm, Otukpo a relatively peaceful town in Benue State was invaded by heavily armed gunmen numbering over 20 who held the community under siege for over two hours.

According the lawmaker, the robbers wrecked havoc using rocket launcher, dynamites, AK47 rifles and other sophisticated weapons.

She said these yet to be identified gunmen started their killing spree by attacking the vigilante group which is the first line in the homeland security and proceeded to the Otukpo Police Station, killing the DPO and three other female police officers.

Onuh stated that 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.

She said the banks attacked were; Stanbic IBTC, Zenith, UBA and First Bank, adding that several persons were killed in the bank premises and many others sustained gunshot injuries.

The lawmaker expressed concern that residents are currently feeling traumatised by last Friday’s incident and are greatly feeling unsafe.

“Worried that the security architecture of Otukpo Community, particularly the police and vigilante are badly demoralised.

“More worrisome, is that the commercial and business activities are currently halted in Otukpo and Benue South as a whole. Banks and other commercial institutions have completely shut down operations, she lamented.

Adopting the motion, the House observed a minute silence in honour of the DPO, other security personnel and members of the community civilians who lost their lives during the attack.