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By Tracy Moses
Former Benue State Commissioner for Finance and President of the Apa Legacy Sustainability Initiative, Dr. David Olofu has called on the federal government to construct a strategic highway along the River Benue corridor, from Lokoja through Benue to Taraba State, as a long-term solution to the recurrent attacks by suspected herdsmen in the region.
Olofu made the appeal during a recent visit to several communities in Apa Local Government Area (LGA), including Ankpali Edikwu, Ojantele/Akpete, and Ikobi, which were recently struck by violent assaults reportedly carried out by armed herders. During the visit, he sympathized with affected families and distributed financial assistance to the victims’ relatives.
He emphasized that the insecurity plaguing rural communities is compounded by the lack of critical infrastructure, particularly access roads, which has made many areas along the Benue River vulnerable and inaccessible to security operatives.
“A well-constructed highway cutting across the riverbanks would not only serve as a deterrent to criminal activity but also open up the region economically,” Olofu said. “It would allow security agencies to reach troubled areas more swiftly, while farmers and traders can move their goods and access markets without fear.”
Describing the ongoing attacks as a “plague,” Olofu called for collective action across ethnic, religious, and political divides to tackle the crisis. “This is no longer just a community issue. It is a humanitarian emergency that demands unity and resolve,” he stated.
He urged local youths to become more proactive in securing their communities, encouraging them to organize community-based vigilante groups instead of relying solely on the elderly or state forces.
Olofu also implored both the state and federal governments to prioritize the development of rural roads. “Security agencies often fail to respond promptly because they simply can’t reach these areas due to terrible road conditions,” he lamented.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Olofu shared how agriculture provided the foundation for his family’s survival. “My father trained all of us from the proceeds of farming. Today, farmers are being driven off their land. If they can’t access their farms or live in peace, where else are they supposed to go?” he asked, visibly emotional.
To further boost development in border communities, Olofu proposed the immediate establishment of a Benue State Border Communities Development Commission (BCDC) to focus on infrastructure and security challenges in frontline areas.
Speaking during the outreach, Professor David Salifu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Initiative, stressed that the visit was entirely humanitarian in nature. “We are here because of love, heritage, and solidarity, not politics. Our hearts break for these communities, and we pray for lasting peace,” he said.
Elder statesman Chief Bernard Omaiye commended Dr. Olofu and his team for their consistent show of leadership and compassion. “What you’ve done today reminds us that true leadership is people-centered, not power-driven,” he remarked.
Community leaders, including Chief David Otokpa, Clan Head of Edikwu, and Chief Elaigwu Abutu of Aadu, confirmed that 12 people were killed in the most recent attack on Ankpali-Edikwu. They thanked Olofu and his foundation for the support and solidarity shown to the bereaved.
Reacting to the highway proposal, Dr. Paul Angya, a security expert and former Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), backed the idea, stating, “I have always maintained that security starts with accessibility. If the government can’t reach you, it can’t protect you.”
Also speaking to Pointblanknews.com, Hon. Francis Agbo, former lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, described Olofu’s highway recommendation as a “win-win for security and development.” He added, “We need more practical, scalable, and people-focused solutions like this.”
Human rights activist Comrade Ucha Ali Abba also lent his voice to the call for immediate action on the proposed BCDC. “Benue State must stop waiting on Abuja for every move. Establishing this commission will ensure border communities receive the attention they deserve,” he said.