House of Representatives is set to launch an investigation into the recent robbery in Otukpo

The House of Representatives has taken a decisive step to investigate the recent armed robbery in Otukpo, Benue, which resulted in the tragic loss of several police officers. This decision emerged after Blessing Onuh, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Benue, introduced a motion of urgent public importance during the parliamentary session on Tuesday.

In her presentation, Onuh emphasized that the government’s foremost responsibility is the security and welfare of its citizens. On the ominous day of October 20, Otukpo, a hitherto tranquil town in Benue State, fell victim to an incursion by a group of suspected armed criminals numbering over 20.

The assailants subjected the community to a harrowing two-hour ordeal, unleashing chaos and destruction through the use of rocket launchers, explosives, AK-47 rifles, and other highly sophisticated weaponry. They initiated their assault by targeting the local vigilance group, which serves as the initial line of defense for the town’s security.

Subsequently, the invaders turned their aggression toward the Otukpo police station, resulting in the tragic demise of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and three other female police officers. Simultaneously, while the assault on the police station raged on, other members of the criminal gang swiftly targeted four commercial banks – namely, IBTC, Zenith, UBA, and First Bank. This calculated attack led to numerous casualties, both in terms of lives lost and individuals sustaining gunshot wounds. The banks’ premises were stained with blood as the criminals made off with substantial sums of money.

The impact of this horrifying incident on the residents was profound, leaving them traumatized and perpetually feeling unsafe even after the event’s conclusion. The House of Representatives, speaking with one voice, unreservedly condemned this robbery and the unfortunate loss of lives it incurred. The House also implored the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify their efforts in apprehending and bringing to justice the culprits behind this heinous act.

Furthermore, the House urgently called upon the government to deploy additional security personnel to safeguard Otukpo and its surroundings, in a bid to avert any potential recurrence of such a dreadful incident.