The Saint Joseph Orokam Catholic Community in Ogbadibo local government area of Benue State is grappling with a severe security crisis. The recent killing of a woman and her son in Orokam has intensified the community’s fears, prompting a call for urgent divine intervention.
According to Leadership News, the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday night when kidnappers attacked a native of the village who had returned from Lagos to relocate his mother due to the growing insecurity. Both he and his mother were killed, while his younger brother sustained life-threatening injuries.
The Catholic community, during its second quarterly national delegates meeting held in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, addressed the escalating security situation in Orokam. Frequent kidnappings and armed robberies have become commonplace, with people being abducted from roads and their homes, often without any security response. Areas such as Adupi, Ukporo Igwu, and Orokam GRA are particularly affected.
The roads connecting Ade-Igwu to Adupi, Orokam to Owukpa, Ukporo to Adupi, and Orokam to Ijadoga Otukpa (Ewu-agada) have become perilous, posing a threat not only to the local population but also to travelers using the busy Makurdi to Enugu federal highway.
In response to the crisis, the national chaplain of St. Joseph Orokam Catholic Community, Rev. Fr. Francis Oche Atama, has declared August 27th to August 29th as days of fasting and prayer for all Orokam natives worldwide, seeking God’s intervention. Masses are to be booked in parishes across the globe, and branches are encouraged to hold joint prayer sessions on August 29th. St. Joseph’s Parish Orokam and Regina Caeli Mission in Igwu Akor will observe communal masses and a rosary procession on August 29th.
The national president of the Catholic community, Comrade Elaigwu Godwin Abakpa, has urged all Orokam Catholics and non-Catholics to participate in the prayer program. He also emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional rulers, presidents of Orokam Development Association branches, and chairmen of the five clans, to develop a lasting security framework.
Comrade Abakpa acknowledged the swift response of Hon. Samuel Ismaila Awuchi Agada, the member representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, who engaged with the state commissioner of police. The commissioner has temporarily recalled the DPO in the area and deployed Anti-Cultism Special Squad members and other tactical teams to enhance security in Orokam.
During the meeting, Comrade Abakpa appealed to all branches to contribute financially to support the community’s projects and programs. He also requested that branches remit 20% of their 2025 St Joseph de Worker Feast celebration proceeds to the national body.
The community’s call for fasting and prayer highlights the severity of the security situation and their reliance on faith to overcome the challenges. The collaborative efforts of community leaders, government officials, and religious figures demonstrate a united front in seeking a lasting solution to the crisis in Orokam.
