From Kenneth Udeh from Abuja
The Senate has called on the Authority of the Nigerian Police and other relevant security agencies to unravel the mystery behind the delay, lack of intelligence and alertness to respond to the deadly bank robbery in Otukpo, Benue State, that claimed several lives and left many others in critical conditions in the hospital.
Deliberating on a motion of urgency presented by Sen. Abba Moro (Benue South) on Tuesday the Senate in its resolutions called on the Nigeria Police to mandate the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) as a matter of urgency move in to provide relief materials for the rehabilitation of the Otukpo Police Command.
Abba Moro while addressing his colleagues recalled the sad event which occurred on the 20th of October, 2023 at about 4:15pm.
Abba Moro in his account said that armageddon let loose as men of the underworld invaded Otukpo, the ancestral hometown of the idoma people unleashing mayhem in the process.
He said; “with sadness the dastardly attacks on banks and the police Command m ua Otukpo on the 20th of October, 2023 by men suspected to be armed robbers numbering about eight persons including four security personnel.”
He lamented that the suspected armed robbers operated for over one hour with Little or no resistance holding the entire town hostage.
In addition to the bloodletting, the Senate were further informed that millions of naira were carted away from the banks and arms and ammunition from the police command.
“Apprehension, tension, panic and palpable fear envelop Otukpo town right now,” Abba Moro stressed.
At the conclusion of debates the Senate presided by Deputy Senate President, Jubrin Barau urged the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the invasion and the death of innocent persons.
The lawmakers also observed a minute silence in honor of those who lost their lives during the recent attack on Otukpo.