Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Ado Diaspora Union based in the United States of America has lauded the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government area of Benue State, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche over his peace and reconciliation moves in Eza, Apa and Agila.
Recall that the affected communities have been facing communal clashes leading to loss of hundreds of lives and properties worth billions of Naira but Engineer Oche has been able to reduce these clashes since he assumed duties as chairman of the local government.
Also recall that some individuals have been indicted for assisting these warring communities to procure ammunitions like AK-47 Riffles to battle themselves in the past but this has been stopped by the current council chairman.
Speaking in a press statement sent to journalists this morning, the President-General of the Ado Diaspora Union in the United States, High Chief Michael Otokpa lauded Engineer Oche for taking the security of lives and properties of his subjects as a top priority of his administration.
According to the group, killings, abduction, communal clashes and other related crimes across Ado Local Government have reduced drastically since the assumption of duties as the council chairman by Engineer Oche.
The group also hailed the chairman for recently initiating peace and reconciliation committee over the crisis in these affected communities, noting that such initiative would further curb insecurity in the local government.
The group however urged other local government leaders to emulate how the chairman has taken security personally as part of his resolve to support the state government led by Governor Hyacinth Alia to stop banditry in the entire Benue State..
As a result of Oche’s efforts to curb insecurity in Ado local government, a court has convicted nine out of ten suspects arrested in connection with the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church. The victims were reportedly kidnapped during a night vigil in Ojeji community, located in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to Oche who praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing his local government with required support and logistics to stop insecurity, the judgment brings a significant breakthrough in the case that had raised security concerns across the area.
He said that the incident which involved the abduction of nine worshippers, prompted an immediate response from joint security operatives he has initiated through the help of the State government. He added that the team, acting on credible intelligence launched coordinated operations that led to the successful rescue of all the kidnapped victims without loss of life.
Key among the responders was the Police Intelligence Response Team, which spearheaded the initial crackdown. During its first operation, the team arrested four suspects and recovered AK-47 rifles and so many catches of bullets signaling a major disruption of the criminal network.
Among those arrested were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, alongside other accomplices. Their arrest marked a turning point in the investigation, as further intelligence led to the apprehension of additional suspects, bringing the total number arrested to ten.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Engr. Sunny Oche, commended the swift and coordinated response of the security agencies. He noted that their professionalism and rapid intervention were crucial in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the capture of those responsible.
The chairman also expressed appreciation to inspector General of police and the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev.Fr.Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia,
Engr Sunny Oche also appreciate the Deputy Governor Sam Odeh mni for taken time to visit the scene and the family of the victims, he applauded the DSS, the local vigilante and all the Security Agencies in Ado for their support at enabling the security operatives to act effectively.
The chairman emphasized that the successful operation reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring public confidence in the state’s government and security framework.
He thanked the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo dioceses his lordship most Rev. Dr. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi for his prayers.
Recall that Engineer Oche has commenced decisive steps toward the constitution of a Peace and Reconciliation Committee following the unfortunate crisis between the Eza people residing in Apa Ugbozu and their Apa Agila counterparts. The committee will be tasked with conducting a thorough fact-finding exercise to uncover the root causes of the disturbances that led to a breakdown of law and order and the tragic loss of two lives.
In a firm demonstration of leadership and commitment to stability, the Chairman has deemed it necessary to assemble a broad-based committee comprising security chiefs, respected traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, as well as seasoned professionals.
This body will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of restoring lasting peace, fostering dialogue, and promoting unity across the affected communities, while also working proactively to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.