Otukpo: 18 youth arrested in controversial operation

The Otukpo Youth Patriots Forum (OYPF) Thursday raised concerns over a recent incident in Efeyi Ipole, a tranquil community in Ugboju, Otukpo local government area of Benue state, where some youth who were heavily armed invaded the community, causing serious tension and apprehension in the area.

The OYPF in a press statement signed by President Ejelikwu Adakole and secretary, James Iduh, also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the Commissioner of Police in the state, as well as the Assistant Inspector General of Police, to uncover the truth behind the operation and hold errant officers accountable.

Tit was alleged that over 20 heavily armed youth, backed by the Area Commander in Otukpo, David Ogenyi, attempted to apprehend suspected killers in the area.

The youth, armed with dangerous weapons, were said to have arrived in Efeyi Ipole around 1:00 am on Friday, June 21, 2024.

However, their mission, according to the statement by OYPF was thwarted by vigilant Efeyi Ipole residents who questioned their presence and motives.

The statement claimed 18 of the intruders were apprehended by the Efeyi Ipole youth, while those carrying weapons managed to escape.
“Startlingly, the arrested individuals have confessed in videos and audio recordings that they were sent by the Area Commander to carry out the mission,” he alleged.

But the Police Area Commander in a swift reaction to the allegations said, “This is most unfortunate and it must have to stop. I have policemen in the office, how could I have sent civilian/youth to go and evade a village for any reason in the world?

“The entire scenario is a conspiracy stage- managed to score cheap goals and this must have to stop.”