The already precarious water situation in Otukpo town is threatening to worsen as the Otobi community, which hosts the critical waterworks supplying the area, remains tense following yesterday’s violent attack by suspected armed ethnic militias on Friday night.
AkweyaTV has been closely monitoring the aftermath of the attack that saw a security guard killed at the Otobi Dam facility and sporadic shooting in the town. According to our correspondent, Edwin Amola, the community members are fleeing for fear of further attacks, though the community along with security operatives have chased the attackers into the bushes.
This ongoing insecurity is raising serious concerns about the safety and functionality of the vital water infrastructure located within the troubled community. For days prior to the attacks in which one life was lost, water tankers that draw water from Otobi to supply Otukpo about 10 kilometres away, have reduced the frequency of such trips.
According to a resident of Otobi who spoke to AkweyaTV on condition of anonymity, “The recent scarcity experienced by Otukpo residents could be significantly exacerbated if the security situation in Otobi deteriorates further, potentially disrupting the operation or maintenance of the waterworks for which the state government recently released money.”
Earlier, traditional rulers in Otukpo, led by the Och’Idoma, John Elaigwu Obagaji Odogbo, did congratulate Governor Hyacinth Alia for releasing funds for the water works rehabilitation. The statement also expressed gratitude to the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for recent steps taken to restore water supply to Otukpo and its environs. They appealed to residents to actively safeguard all water installations in the area.
The Governor had approved the immediate payment of outstanding contract sums to the Chinese company responsible for the construction of the Otobi and Katsina-Ala Water Works.
However, the looming threat posed by the insecurity in Otobi casts a shadow over these positive developments. The ability to effectively rehabilitate and operate the waterworks hinges on the safety and security of the environment.
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