The Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, Engr. Sunny Oche, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property following the recent kidnapping of eight persons in Ukwonyo Council Ward.
As part of efforts to address the situation and provide reassurance to the affected communities, the Chairman yesterday, Thursday, December 18, 2025, visited the scene of the incident and paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Redu dh’Ukwnyo III, Chief Otokpa Ocheme, where he met with the Ukwonyo Traditional Council and Council of Elders. The visit was aimed at expressing solidarity, strengthening collaboration, and reinforcing confidence in the ongoing rescue and security operations.
Speaking during the engagement, Engr. Oche expressed deep concern over the incident and assured the traditional institution and residents that the Local Government is fully mobilized to secure the safe and unharmed return of the victims, whom he described as law-abiding citizens going about their legitimate activities. He emphasized that criminal elements would not be allowed to undermine peace and stability in the Local Government Area.
The Redu dh’Ukwnyo III commended the Chairman for his prompt response and personal presence in Ukwonyo, describing the visit as reassuring and symbolic of responsible leadership. He reiterated his readiness to work closely with the Local Government Chairman and security agencies to combat insecurity in the domain. While decrying the resurgence of criminal activities after a period of relative calm, achieved through earlier collaborative efforts and the deployment of a joint task force following the the 2024 kidnapping incident involving medical doctors, the traditional ruler expressed optimism that the current efforts would yield positive results, citing the Chairman’s proven resolve and capacity to act.
In his remarks, Engr. Oche restated his administration’s determination to rid Ado Local Government Area of criminal elements and disclosed that renewed and strengthened security measures are already in place. He noted that security personnel are actively combing identified flashpoints and suspected hideouts, with improved intelligence gathering and coordination. He further stressed that any attempt by criminals to embarrass the Local Government, particularly one that hosts the operational base of the Zone C Benue State Civil Protection Guard (Anyam Nyor), would be decisively resisted.
The Chairman also emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including deeper collaboration with traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents. He called on the people to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, assuring them that credible information would receive swift and effective response from security agencies.
Following his engagement with the traditional council, Engr. Oche visited the families of the kidnapped persons at their respective compounds, where he offered words of encouragement and reassurance. He urged them to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring them that every necessary measure has been activated to secure the safe return of their loved ones. He reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government and pledged sustained efforts to prevent future occurrences.
The Chairman was accompanied by members of the Ado Local Government Legislative Council, led by the Leader of the House, Hon. Agbo Adadu. Others included Hon. Francis Edeh Ojoko (Majority Leader and Councillor representing Ukwonyo Ward), Hon. Queen Ochanya Attah (Chief Whip), Hon. Daniel Ochapa (Igumale I), and Hon. Innocent Ekah Okenwa (Royongo Ward). The delegation expressed full support for the Chairman and solidarity with the affected families.
The visit underscored the importance of collective responsibility in tackling insecurity, highlighting the need for sustained community cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, and prompt security response as key to maintaining peace and promoting development in Ado Local Government Area.
Signed,
Innocent Igelle, cLMiH, mPPSN, MCAI
Principal Private Secretary to the Chairman; juliovirgo@gmail.com, 08065365371
Be the first to comment