Chief John Eimonye, the traditional ruler of Otukpo, has condemned the brutal attack on Okpomaju village in Otukpo town, which resulted in the deaths of three people and left several others injured. The violence, which erupted during a clash between local hunters and armed Fulani herders, has raised concerns over the safety of the Otukpo community. The attack is seen as part of an ongoing escalation in clashes between local farmers and herders, which have plagued the region for years. Despite efforts by the people of Otukpo to ensure peace and resolve tensions, the latest attack highlights the persistent threat posed by herders who, according to the monarch, are fighting for land that does not belong to them.
In an official statement released by Chief Udeh Adole, the Secretary of the Otukpo District Traditional Council, Chief Eimonye emphasized that the people of Otukpo would not succumb to intimidation or violence. The monarch strongly asserted that the Otukpo-Abaku kingdom would protect its land and its people at all costs, and he expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and wounded during the attack. He also stated that the loss was not only felt by the affected families but by him personally, as the ruler of the kingdom.
Chief Eimonye called for immediate action from government authorities and security agencies, urging them to step in and put an end to the ongoing violence. The monarch expressed concern that the situation had been allowed to escalate unchecked, noting that the government should not treat such attacks as routine occurrences. He called for serious and swift intervention to prevent further loss of life and to restore peace to the region.
Furthermore, Chief Eimonye addressed rumors circulating in the community that some individuals may have been involved in deals with the herders, accepting money in exchange for portions of Otukpo land. He made it clear that the Otukpo leadership would not tolerate any such activity, and he revealed that investigations were being conducted to uncover the truth behind these allegations. The monarch invoked the highest deities of the land, pledging that anyone found to have aided the herders or participated in any way would face divine justice.
In his closing remarks, Chief Eimonye emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism among the people of Otukpo. He called on the entire community to come together and defend their heritage and their land. The monarch made it clear that the kingdom would not give in to the forces seeking to destabilize it, and he vowed that the people would stand firm in the face of adversity.
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