The Senatorial hopeful for Benue South, Dr. David Olofu, has called on the Federal Government to demonstrate heightened urgency and unwavering commitment in addressing the pernicious scourge of herdsmen attacks that has been ravaging various parts of the Benue South Senatorial District.
In a press statement personally signed on November 5th, 2025, Dr. Olofu expressed his profound perturbation and deep-seated concern over the persistent and unprovoked attacks on the Anwule-Oglewu community in Ohimini Local Government Area and Rijo in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, which have resulted in the tragic loss of numerous lives and wanton destruction of property worth millions of naira.
Dr. Olofu, who is vying for the Senatorial seat of Benue South on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2027, urged the Federal Government to exhibit a heightened sense of seriousness and purpose in tackling this menace, which has assumed alarming proportions.
He also called upon the Benue State government to demonstrate greater concern and commitment in addressing this scourge, which has left a trail of devastation and despair in its wake.
The Senatorial hopeful lamented the unbridled attacks by suspected murderous herdsmen, which have rendered vulnerable communities in Benue South Senatorial District perpetual targets.
He described the situation as “unacceptable and must be stopped by the Federal Government”, emphasizing that those responsible for internal security must rise to the challenge and stem the tide of violence, which has assumed the proportion of a hydra-headed monster.
Dr. Olofu advocated for community policing by the youth in various communities, stressing that in view of the inability of security agencies to effectively safeguard communities, the youth and able-bodied men should form vigilante groups to protect their communities.
He emphasized that security is every man’s business and should no longer be relinquished to government alone, stressing that “as it is, we are left with the difficult option of taking our destinies into our hands”.
Dr. Olofu decried the lackadaisical attitude of government and some government functionaries in the consistent attacks of communities in Benue State which he described as a carefully orchestrated carnage aimed at obliterating “our people.”
He regretted that the governments have not done enough to inspire the confidence of the people – a quagmire that has created a state of quandary.
He commiserated with the people of Anwule-Oglewu and Rijo over the unfortunate attacks and called on the Federal Government to not only halt the carnage but also arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
The Senatorial contender further appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to all the victims in the affected communities to ameliorate their plight.
Dr. Olofu’s appeal is a clarion call to action, and it remains to be seen how the Federal Government will respond to this urgent appeal.
