By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance and President of the Apa Legacy and Sustainability Initiatives, Dr David Olofu, has called on Nigerians to unite across all divides to combat the rising wave of insecurity, particularly attacks by suspected herdsmen in the North Central zone.
Dr Olofu made the call during his sympathy visit to most affected villages of Ankpali-Edikwu and Otobi-Akpa communities in Apa and Otukpo Local Government Areas of Benue State, which were severely attacked by suspected pastoralists.
The ex-commissioner who described the spate of attacks as an “epidemic,” said that only a united front regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation can put an end to the violence.
“We must rise in unity to fight against insecurity. This attack will only stop when our people genuinely come together with one voice and one resolve,” he said emotionally.
He emphasised the role of infrastructure in combating insecurity, urging both state and federal governments to construct a coastal road linking Lokoja in Kogi State to Taraba State.
According to him, the vast, ungoverned terrain along that corridor has become a safe haven for criminal elements, as he stressed that, “The lack of access roads makes it difficult for security forces to respond swiftly to attacks. If there are good roads, our military can move quickly and intervene in emergencies.”
Dr Olofu, who is also a known philanthropist in Benue South, has provided scholarships to indigent students and free healthcare to the vulnerable over the years and during the visit, he donated millions of naira to support families affected by the recent attacks.
Olofu choked with emotion recalled how farming sustained his own upbringing but lamented its collapse in the affected communities.
“I was trained by my father through his farm. Today, our people cannot farm, they have no homes, no food. Where do we go from here? This is not just painful – it is devastating,” he added.
He also challenged the youth not to abandon the security of their communities to elders, urging them to organise into vigilante groups to defend their homes.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Apa Legacy and Sustainability Initiatives, Prof. David Salifu, said the team was on a purely humanitarian mission, not political.
“We came to comfort and pray with the victims. This is about love, solidarity, and shared pain,” he said.
Also speaking, elder statesman Chief Bernard Omaiye commended Dr Olofu and his team for their compassion and consistent humanitarian efforts in the Idoma speaking zone C.
Traditional leaders from the Edikwu clan, including Chief David Otokpa and Chief Elaigwu Abutu, confirmed that at least 12 people were killed and several others seriously injured in the Ankpali-Edikwu attack as they thanked Dr Olofu for standing by the community during its time of grief.
