The House of Representatives member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal constituency of Benue State, Bob Tyough, has raised the alarm that herdsmen are still attacking and killing his people on a daily basis.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, he said the alarm became necessary to counter claims of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, that it had ended killings in Benue.
He said: “Just yesterday, four persons were killed and many others injured at Waya Community in Jato-Aka, Kwande Council Area.
“While I am not taking anything away from the commitment and gallantry of the military in the state, particularly troops of OPWS, I object to the claim that the troops have ended insecurity and flushed out all criminals from the state.
READ ALSO: Fresh Kaduna LG attack: We won’t negotiate with bandits – El-Rufai
“I wish the Commander had seen Governor Samuel Ortom’s call as a voice of support. He and his team have no doubt done a commendable job, but they are also aware that their capacity needs to be strengthened to enable them to do better.”
On the OPWS Commander’s assertion that his “job does not include arresting cows on the streets,” Mr Tyough said such a statement was misleading, wondering if the OPWS had another mandate.
Mr Tyough lamented that Kwande Council Area has only 35 police personnel and questioned how 35 policemen could guarantee safety of lives and property in a whole local government area.
“I am making efforts to get more police personnel deployed to my constituency. I also request that the mobile police units be taken to Kwande/Ushongo Federal constituency to improve security in the area,” he added.
