Representative Ojotu Ojema of Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency has expressed his condolences to the families of military personnel who tragically lost their lives in recent attacks on Okokolo Community in Benue.
The heartfelt message was conveyed through a statement issued by Olikita Ekani, Ojema’s Media Aide in Abuja on Sunday.
In the lamentable incident that occurred on Thursday, January 18, suspected herdsmen launched an attack on Okokolo Community in the Agatu local government area.
The assault resulted in the unfortunate demise of four individuals and left one military personnel wounded, according to accounts from local residents.
Ojema strongly condemned the attack and characterized the fallen military personnel as true martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense of their homeland.
Expressing deep sorrow and condemnation, he noted that the renewed assault on the innocent people of Agatu served as a grim reminder of the adversities they have faced in the past.
In a call to action, Ojema urged the Federal Government to swiftly address the resurging attacks to prevent their escalation into other communities within Agatu and the neighboring Apa local government area.
He reassured his constituents that he is actively collaborating with traditional, religious, and political leaders, as well as relevant security agencies, to find lasting solutions to the persistent insecurity in the region.
Emphasizing the importance of vigilance, Ojema appealed to the public to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. He also underscored the need for people not to take the law into their own hands.
Providing an update on the military response, it was reported that the troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), effectively repelled the bandit attack on Okokolo community. Maj.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the OPWS Force Commander, disclosed to the press in Makurdi on Saturday that the officers successfully prevented the sacking of the community, albeit at a significant cost.
During the operation, Maj.-Gen. Igbinomwanhia revealed that three officers lost their lives – two soldiers and one personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Additionally, two soldiers sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the Air Force Hospital for necessary medical attention.
