A Member representing Oju I state constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Pastor Onah Blessed Emmanuel, has decried the killing of two young men, Gabriel Ogoda and Ogah Jonathan Ukoh, in Ulam axis of the Oju–Awajir Road on Sunday.
In a statement he issued yesterday, the lawmaker described the act as “inhuman and unacceptable,” urging the state government and security agencies to hunt down those responsible and ensure justice is served.
According to reports, the victims were returning to Makurdi when they were ambushed by unknown assailants.
Ogah Jonathan Ukoh had just concluded his traditional marriage in the village, while Gabriel Ogoda was hurrying back to meet his pregnant wife in Makurdi.
Tragically, both men were killed, and their motorcycles were stolen.
Adding to the mystery, a man who identified himself as Audu and claimed to be from Ulam was reportedly answering calls from one of the deceased’s phones. He initially offered to guide the family to where the bodies were located, but later switched off the phone, raising serious suspicions.
Reacting to the development, Pastor Emmanuel noted that incidents of harassment, robbery, and outright murder have become far too common along the Oju–Awajir route.
“I personally experienced intimidation along that road just hours before the unfortunate incident,” he revealed. “The road has become a death trap for innocent travellers, especially our people of Igede extraction.”
The lawmaker also raised alarm over the increasing difficulty faced by the Igede people in accessing the rest of the state, due to heightened insecurity and unresolved communal tensions.
Notably, the Obarike–Mbakine Road remains closed due to long-standing conflict between the Oju-Mole and Mbakine communities, both located in the Gwer East local government area. With both key routes to Makurdi now compromised, the Igede region is effectively isolated.
Security observers also recall that about two years ago, 12 Nigerian soldiers were killed in a deadly ambush along the same corridor, highlighting the deep-rooted volatility and the urgent need for a comprehensive intervention.
Pastor Emmanuel called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct the immediate deployment of security operatives to both the Oju–Awajir and Obarike–Mbakine roads to guarantee safe passage and restore confidence among commuters.
He appealed to community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures across Igede, Konshisha, and Gwer East to engage in honest dialogue and help rebuild trust and peaceful coexistence.
“Our people are not at war with anyone. We deserve the right to move freely and in peace. Let us not wait until more lives are lost before we act,” Pastor Emmanuel stated.
He concluded by urging his constituents to remain peaceful, vigilant, and cooperative with authorities as efforts continue to restore safety and justice to the region.
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