By Abigail Philip David
A retired Comptroller of Prisons, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the ongoing military operations in Zamfara State to Benue, as part of efforts to tackle the persistent insecurity plaguing the region.
Ihagh, who serves as the President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide and chairs three socio-cultural groups in Benue State – Mdzough U Tiv, Ochetoha K’Idoma, and Omi Ny’Igede – made this appeal in Makurdi on Sunday. He emphasized that replicating the military intervention in Benue would help curb the activities of bandits in the troubled areas of the state.
He commended the Federal Government for its success in degrading terrorist and bandit activities in Zamfara, describing the operations as effective in restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
“Benue has faced insecurity for over a decade, with hardly a day passing without reports of bandits killing rural dwellers in one part of the state or another,” Ihagh lamented.
He highlighted the need for similar decisive action in Benue, saying, “The military intervention in Zamfara, reportedly ordered by President Tinubu, has weakened the operational capacity of bandits and safeguarded the lives of residents. We appeal to Mr. President to replicate this success in Benue.”
Ihagh also noted the importance of securing Benue, a state known as the food basket of the nation. “Without farming, hunger is inevitable across the country,” he warned.
He identified Kwande, Agatu, Gwer West, and Guma Local Government Areas, among others, as being heavily affected by bandits who have displaced residents from their ancestral homes. He urged the Federal Government to take swift and decisive measures to restore peace and normalcy.
“We are pleading with the government to drive out these bandits from Benue and other affected states, so our people can return to their homes and resume agriculture. As it stands, Nigeria is sitting on a ticking time bomb if insecurity remains unaddressed,” Ihagh concluded.
