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Ado Diaspora Hails Oche’s Security Drive, Peace Moves in Benue
The Ado Diaspora Union in the United States has commended the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Engineer Oche Sunday Oche, for what it described as decisive interventions in curbing insecurity and fostering reconciliation across troubled communities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group praised the council boss for prioritising the safety of lives and property in Eza, Apa and Agila, areas hitherto plagued by protracted communal clashes.
The union noted that before Oche’s assumption of office, the affected communities recorded recurring violence, leading to the loss of hundreds of lives and destruction of property worth billions of naira.
It, however, observed that the situation had significantly improved under the current administration, attributing the development to proactive security measures and community engagement strategies introduced by the chairman.
The President-General of the union, High Chief Michael Otokpa, said incidents of killings, abductions and communal unrest had reduced drastically in the area.
He further lauded Oche for initiating a peace and reconciliation committee aimed at addressing the root causes of the crises, expressing optimism that the move would engender lasting peace.
According to the group, the chairman’s approach to security underscores a commitment to complementing the efforts of the Benue State Government in tackling banditry and criminality.
The diaspora body urged other local government leaders to emulate Oche’s hands-on approach to security management and conflict resolution.
Meanwhile, the council chairman’s efforts have begun to yield tangible results, with a court reportedly convicting nine out of ten suspects linked to the abduction of worshippers at St. John Catholic Church in Ojeji community.
The victims were kidnapped during a night vigil, sparking widespread concern across the local government area.
Oche disclosed that the incident prompted a swift response from joint security operatives, leading to the successful rescue of all the victims without casualties.
He said the operation, driven by credible intelligence, resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of arms, including AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
Among those apprehended were Abubakar Jibril and Ashiru Ibrahim, alongside other accomplices, whose arrests further aided subsequent operations.
The chairman commended the professionalism of security agencies, noting that their coordinated efforts were instrumental to the success of the rescue mission.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and other stakeholders for their support in tackling insecurity in the area.
Oche equally acknowledged the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Sam Odeh, the Department of State Services, local vigilantes and other security outfits.
The chairman stressed that the successes recorded so far reflect a strong commitment to restoring public confidence in governance and security architecture.
He also thanked the Catholic Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, for his prayers and support.
In a related development, Oche has commenced steps to constitute a broad-based Peace and Reconciliation Committee to address the lingering crisis between Eza and Apa communities.
The committee, comprising security chiefs, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, as well as professionals, is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the causes of the conflict.
It will also be mandated to promote dialogue, rebuild trust and ensure sustainable peace across the affected areas.
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