Environmental consultant Architect Patrick Ukura has expressed his dismay over the destruction of his ancestral home, public utilities, and over 500 other houses in Akpa community, Mbakor, Tarka local government area of Benue State. The destruction, which occurred within two months, was a result of communal clashes between Akpa and Agasha communities in Guma local government area. Ukura, who made this revelation in a statement in Abuja, alleged that the state government had failed to protect the lives and property of rural dwellers.
According to Ukura, the crisis between Akpa and Agasha has claimed several innocent lives of the indigenous people of Mbakor. He lamented that despite the escalating violence, the state government has remained docile and failed to take decisive action to bring the crisis to an end. The lack of government intervention has, according to Ukura, emboldened the perpetrators, who continue to wreak havoc on the communities.
Ukura further alleged that the state government is making a huge political capital out of the current crisis, hence its "laissez-faire approach" towards the communal clash. He accused the government of deliberately refusing to act, allowing the crisis to persist and claim more lives. The environmental consultant also expressed disappointment that efforts by stakeholders in the area, including government officials and traditional leaders, have failed to yield fruitful results.
The affected communities, Ukura said, have suffered massive destruction of property worth millions of Naira. He called on the federal government to intervene and save his people from further carnage, emphasizing the need to protect the sanctity of human lives. Ukura's ancestral home and over 500 other houses have been razed, leaving many families without shelter.
Ukura, who hails from Akpa community, expressed frustration that the state government has not done enough to address the crisis. He alleged that the government's inaction has created a sense of impunity among the perpetrators, who continue to attack and kill innocent people. The environmental consultant also appealed to the federal government to take urgent action to restore peace to the affected communities.
Some of the stakeholders who have attempted to intervene in the crisis include Governor Alia's Commissioners for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Terlumun Dwem, and Housing, Roy Ashirga. Others include Tor Lobi, HRH Mfave Anagende, and Tor Jemgbah, HRH Afatyo Ajoko, President General Mzough-u-Tiv, Comdr. A. Agbecha (retd.). Despite their efforts, the crisis persists, and Ukura is now calling for federal intervention.
The situation in Benue State has become increasingly worrisome, with many lives lost and property destroyed. Ukura's appeal for help has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the crisis and restore peace to the affected communities. The federal government's response to the situation remains to be seen, but Ukura's cry for help has brought attention to the plight of the people of Akpa and Agasha communities.
Key points
- The Benue state government has been accused of failing to protect the lives and property of rural dwellers in the face of communal clashes.
- Over 500 houses, including the ancestral home of environmental consultant Architect Patrick Ukura, have been razed in two months.
- The crisis between Akpa and Agasha communities has claimed several innocent lives and destroyed property worth millions of Naira.
