By Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Abba Moro, has blamed the robbery attack which led to the loss of several lives in four banks in Otukpo Benue State, recently on the failure of intelligence and policing.
Moro spoke yesterday to reporters after moving a motion asking the Senate to probe the incident, in Abuja.
He wondered why despite the presence of several security checkpoints mounted by several security agencies none had a hint about 60 armed men in a convoy of vehicles storming the city to invade four banks.
He said, “We have several security checkpoints, there is the police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps have joined the roadblock thing.
“We also have the road safety, the Department of State Services, all of them none of them got a hint that 60 armed men in two Hilux vehicles were coming to invade Otukpo. Where is the intelligence? When the attack happened, none of the agencies could reach out to mobilize a counter.”
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He explained that his initial opposition to the call for the creation of state police was based on the fact that most states except one or two, have been unable to meet their financial obligations to their state workforce as such adding the police wage bill could be counterproductive.
The federal lawmaker cautioned Nigerians n against rushing to call for the creation of institutions each time an event occurs.
Earlier, in a motion he moved during plenary, Moro demanded that the incident be immediately investigated by the police and sister security services.
He said, “Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues I rise to inform you that on the 20th of October, 2023 at about 4:15, it was Armageddon let loose as men of the underworld invaded Otukpo, the ancestral hometown of the Idoma people unleashing mayhem in the process.
“Consequently, the Senate notes with sadness the dastardly attacks on banks and the police command in Otukpo on the 20th October 2023 by men suspected to be armed robbers killing about eight persons including four security personnel;
“Notes further that suspected armed robbers operated for over one hour with little or no resistance holding the entire town hostage. In addition to the letting of blood, millions of Naira were carted away from the banks and arms and Amina from the police command.”
He further explained that residents of the once-peaceful town are currently living on the edge.
While appealing to the police and other relevant authorities to unravel the mystery behind the attack, he urged the National Emergency Management Agency to provide relief materials for the rehabilitation of the Otukpo police command and those injured.
