By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The lawmaker representing Benue South District in the National Assembly and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, has urged the youths of Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas, LGAs, to always be vigilant and be prepared to defend their land against external aggressors.
He urged the youths to work closely with security agencies assuring them of his support and that of other leaders to ensure the security of lives and property in the LGAs.
The lawmaker’s call came following the recent ceaseless attacks on communities in the two LGAs by armed herdsmen which has led to several deaths and injuries as well as the destruction of properties.
In a statement by the Media assistant to the Senate Minority Leader, John Ikwulono, Senator Moro gave the charge in Ugbokpo the Apa LGA headquarters when he interacted with the youths after earlier prevailing on them last Monday to end the blockage of the Otukpo-Owote-Abuja Federal Highway over the ceaseless attacks and killings in the two LGAs.
He had at the time promised to return to the community to interact with the youths over the matter.
Addressing them, the lawmaker appealed to the youths to “desist from blocking Federal Highways and allow us your leaders to continue with what we’ve started doing already through steady interactions with security agencies and other authorities.
“I urge you to be vigilant and also work closely with security agencies. You should be prepared to defend and protect your land from external aggression.”
Senator Moro also appealed to all stakeholders to desist from politicising the attacks and killings in the state but come together, irrespective of party affiliation, to face the challenge in order to put an end to the menace.
“I will also not rest on my oars until my constituents begin to sleep with their eyes closed and move about freely without fear of attack,” he said
Speaking separately, the House of Representatives Member for Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Pastor Ojotu Ojema; Member representing Apa State Constituency, Abu Umoru, the Commissioner for Power and Transport, Omale Omale, and the Chairman of Apa LGA, Ochayi Alidu, represented by the Council Secretary, Agida Baba, all lauded the lawmaker for all his efforts to have peace in the senatorial district and promised to support him and the people to put an end to the activities of the marauders.
Earlier, the President of Apa/Agatu Strong Voice, Vincent Peter, commended Senator Moro for coming to their rescue at their trying moments assuring that the youths would always listen to him and other leaders.
He informed that “the protest was not targeted at any leader, rather it was done to draw the attention of government to our plight. We commend your fatherly love and show of concern for us. May God continue to keep and preserve you.”
Source: Vanguard