The once-peaceful community of Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State has been thrown into fear and mourning, as waves of kidnappings, killings, and violent attacks continue to tear through the district. Now, community leaders and restless youths are making an urgent appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia to save their people from what they describe as a looming “total breakdown of peace.”
In a strongly worded letter to the governor on Monday, ward heads and youth leaders of Orokam demanded swift and decisive government intervention. Among their major demands is the closure of the Ade-Igwu Trailer Park, which they allege has become a den and operational base for criminal gangs unleashing terror on the community.
“All the criminal elements causing mayhem in the land reside in the Ade-Igwu Trailer Park,” the communiqué declared. “The park should be shut down immediately in order to restore peace, stability, and order in Orokam.”
The petition was signed by the three clan heads—Jacob Sule (Ward I), Emmanuel Ogidi (Ward II), and Pius Ojobo Aba (Ward III)—alongside the Orokam Youth President, Victor Onoja.
Frustrated by the bloodshed, angry youths staged a peaceful protest last Friday, barricading the Orokam–Owukpa–Otukpa highway with bonfires and placards. Their chants carried inscriptions such as: “Stop Orokam killings and kidnappings” and “We need urgent attention from the Benue State government.”
The protest came on the heels of a horrific week of violence. On Tuesday, kidnappers stormed the home of a microfinance bank manager and his wife in Orokam GRA, whisking them away in the dead of night. The abductors, initially demanding ₦100 million, later slashed their ransom to ₦50 million but reportedly went silent after the family pleaded with an offer of ₦1.5 million.
Barely two days later, tragedy struck again. In Ejema community, armed men targeted a young returnee, Gabriel, who had traveled from Abuja to visit his mother. Witnesses say Gabriel’s mother, Madam Shaibu, begged to be taken in her son’s place. Instead, the assailants opened fire, killing both mother and son instantly. Gabriel’s younger brother, John, was also shot while attempting to escape but miraculously survived with serious injuries.
Shaken by the rising wave of abductions, the parish priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Orokam, Rev. Fr. Francis Atama, has declared a three-day period of fasting and prayer for divine intervention.
“The rate of kidnappings in Orokam has become alarming. People are being trailed to their homes and picked from their rooms,” he lamented. “We may not have the arm of flesh to fight this battle, but we have the Almighty God to run to.”
From August 27 to 29, churches across the district will hold special Masses and rosary processions, seeking heaven’s help where human efforts appear inadequate.
Alarmed by the deteriorating situation, the Executive Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, Hon. Sunday Ajunwa, has ramped up security engagements. Last Thursday, he held a closed-door meeting with Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi. At the end of the meeting, the DPO of Orokam was redeployed, while a special tactical police squad was deployed to comb forests and flashpoints in search of the assailants.
In a rare joint operation, soldiers and police operatives are now patrolling surrounding bushes and raiding suspected hideouts, while local vigilantes and traditional rulers have been drafted into the security strategy.
In addition, Mr. Ajunwa announced the immediate enforcement of a dusk-to-dawn curfew across Orokam, effective from Sunday.
“The purpose of this curfew is to limit movement, reduce opportunities for criminal activities, and facilitate enhanced security patrols,” a statement by his media aide, Jerome Idoko, explained. “Residents are advised to comply and cooperate fully with security agencies.”
For now, Orokam is at a crossroads—gripped by fear, yet determined to resist criminal siege. As community leaders push for the shutdown of the notorious trailer park and youths demand stronger government action, all eyes are on Governor Alia’s administration and security forces to halt the bloodshed before the once-thriving community is completely consumed by violence.
PIONEER NEWS 