***Youths Vow to Combat Kidnapping, Cultism, Other Criminalities in the State
Amid growing security challenges in Benue State, the Edumoga Youth Association (EYA), representing over 250 communities in the Edumoga district of Okpokwu Local Government Area, is organizing an expanded security summit aimed at finding solutions to the persistent insecurity.
The summit, which is set to take place on December 27th and 28th, will be chaired by Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader of the Senate and representative of Benue South Senatorial District. The summit, themed “Security Threat, Mitigation and Awareness Creation,” seeks to address a range of security concerns affecting the communities, including kidnapping, farmers/herders clashes, cultism, and other criminal activities.
The National President of EYA, Alhaji Lucky Itodo, expressed deep concern about the lack of security presence in the region.
He explained that despite the large population of over 900,000 people, predominantly farmers, the 250 communities have never had a police station, leaving them vulnerable to various forms of crimes.
The nearest police station, located in Okpoga, is over 100 kilometers away, which hinders timely responses to emergencies.
The community has relied on self-help security measures, including local vigilantes, but Itodo emphasized that these efforts are insufficient.
He revealed that the association plans to build and donate a police station to the Nigerian Police Force, located in Ojapo, a central area within the Edumoga district, in hopes of improving security and reducing criminal activities.
Itodo highlighted the growing threats of cultism and kidnapping in the area, with many families forced to pay large ransoms for the release of their loved ones. He stressed the importance of taking proactive measures to complement government efforts in addressing the security challenges.
He observed that the summit will bring together key stakeholders, including political leaders, youths, and community members from Edumoga, both within Nigeria and the diaspora.
The event according to him, will also feature the formal inauguration of the Edumoga Youth Association by the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Hon. Adah Matthew Inalegwu.
The EYA’s initiative reflects the urgent need for increased security measures in the region, with hopes that the summit will help foster collaboration between the government and local communities to combat insecurity effectively.