Auchi Residents Petition Tinubu Over Insecurity At Army Checkpoint

Residents and indigenes of Auchi and surrounding communities in Etsako West local government area of Edo State have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the military high command to reorganise operations at a checkpoint on the Auchi–Igarra Road, citing rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the area.

The concerned residents, in an open letter addressed to relevant authorities, expressed alarm that the checkpoint located at Fertiliser Junction, Igbira Camp axis, has allegedly failed to curb criminal activities despite the presence of soldiers.

They cited a recent incident on April 19 in which a young man identified as Christopher was reportedly killed, while his female companion was abducted and remains in captivity.

According to the petition signed by Comrade U. H. Abdul-Maleeq on behalf of Concerned Residents and Youths of Auchi Sacred Kingdom and neighbouring communities, the affected area lies less than three kilometres from the Nigerian Army School of Mechanical Engineering (NASEME), yet has become a hotspot for kidnappings.

“We write this petition from a place of deep pain, fear, and frustration. For too long, our area has been plagued by relentless kidnapping, violence, and insecurity,” the group said.

The residents further alleged that security operatives at the checkpoint have, at times, hindered local efforts to combat crime, stating that “on one occasion, vigilantes and hunters acting on intelligence were delayed for nearly two hours, allowing suspected kidnappers to escape.”

Describing the situation as alarming, they added that “the soldier checkpoint at Fertilizer Junction has become a symbol of abandonment, inaction, and alleged misconduct,” while also accusing some personnel of extortion and unprofessional conduct.

While acknowledging efforts by the Nigerian Army in the wider Auchi area, including rescue operations and neutralisation of suspects, the residents maintained that such interventions have not translated into effective protection at the troubled checkpoint.

They therefore called for a comprehensive investigation into the checkpoint’s operations, including responses to distress calls and interactions with local security groups, while urging authorities to sanction any personnel found culpable.

The petition was also copied to the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.