Orokam Community in Benue State Faces Rising Insecurity

Once known for its serenity and cheerful atmosphere, Orokam community in Benue State is now gripped by fear and confusion following a disturbing wave of kidnappings and killings by unknown gunmen.

According to local observers, the worsening insecurity is fueled by night raids in which armed assailants abduct unsuspecting residents from their homes, whisking them away to undisclosed locations.

Recently, Engineer Agada and Hon. Alphonsus were kidnapped from their homes and released only after each reportedly paid a ransom of five million naira. In the engineer’s case, the attackers broke through his roof to gain access, inflicting severe injuries before taking him away.

Similarly, there was a failed abduction attempt on retired Navy Commander Abah, who narrowly escaped. However, the manager of a microfinance bank from Oko clan in Orokam and his wife remain in captivity, with their abductors demanding a ransom of 50 million naira.

The community was further thrown into mourning after a mother and her adult son were killed following a brutal assault. Another child of the woman is currently in critical condition at the hospital with severe injuries.

In response, aggrieved youths set up bonfires along the roads to express their anger over the deteriorating security situation. Their calls for urgent intervention are directed at the state governor, the local government chairman, and the community’s traditional ruler, urging them to address the crisis before it escalates further.