Metro

Benue: Otukpo Residents Drink From Mud As Water Scarcity Worsens

Published

1 year ago

March 26, 2025

The water crisis in Otukpo, Benue State, has reached an alarming level, forcing residents to drink from muddy pools and unsafe sources.

DAILY POST observed that as the dry season intensifies, wells and streams have dried up, leaving thousands without access to clean drinking water.

For decades, Otukpo, the heart of Idoma land in Benue State, has battled water crisis.

What was once a thriving town with access to clean water has slowly deteriorated into a place where survival depends on luck, improvisation and sheer resilience.

During the dry season, the situation worsens, turning an already dire problem into a full-blown humanitarian crisis.

At the centre of this crisis is the long-abandoned Otobi Water Works, a facility that was once the lifeline of Otukpo but has remained non-functional for ages.

As a result, residents, both in urban and rural areas, have been left with no choice but to drink from muddy ponds, shallow wells and contaminated streams.

The consequences have been devastating.

Cases of cholera, typhoid and river blindness have been on the rise as people are forced to consume water from unhealthy sources.

Women and children, in particular, bear the brunt of this struggle.

Every morning, before the sun rises they embark on long treks from Otukpo town to neighbouring Ohimini LGA in search of water, often competing with animals for access to stagnant pools.

Several factors have contributed to the water crisis in Otukpo.

One of the biggest challenges unique to Otukpo is its soil texture, which makes it nearly impossible to drill boreholes.

Unlike other areas where underground water sources can be tapped, Otukpo’s terrain consists of hard, rocky soil that prevents water from accumulating beneath the surface.

However, the most glaring is the collapse of water infrastructure. The Otobi Water Works, which was designed to supply potable water to the town, has suffered years of neglect due to government inaction, lack of maintenance, and mismanagement of funds.

Also, this has been attributed to climate change and deforestation, which has worsened the situation.

The reduction in rainfall and increased environmental degradation have led to the drying up of natural water sources.

Many rivers that once provided water to residents have shrunk to mere trickles during the dry season.

A resident of Obaganya, Agbo John, told our reporter that another major issue is population growth and urbanization.

Accordign to him, “As Otukpo expands, the demand for water has far outstripped supply. Yet, no significant investments have been made to upgrade or expand water infrastructure to meet the town’s growing needs.

“Worsening the problem is pollution. Many of the water sources available to us here are contaminated by human and animal waste, making them breeding grounds for deadly bacteria and parasites.

“In some communities, such as Edikwu, Entina, Igbanonmaje, EiUpi, people fetch water from streams used for laundry, bathing and even waste disposal.”

One of the worst-hit areas is Asa community, where people now rely on the muddy remains of the Ukplo River for survival.

Faced with these harsh realities, some residents have taken matters into their own hands. One such effort is the drilling of the Ukplo River, a desperate move by citizens seeking an alternative water source.

Honourable Angbo Kennedy, a lawmaker representing Otukpo Akpa at the Benue State House of Assembly, recently made a generous donation towards the project, a gesture that has been met with deep gratitude by the Asa Community.

Amid the crisis, some individuals and organizations have stepped in to provide temporary relief.

Ace philanthropist, Mohammed Odeh Adah, Ochacho’, has been supplying water to residents through his private initiatives.

His intervention has helped many families access clean drinking water, but the demand far outweighs the supply.

“Every time Ochacho’s water trucks come, there’s a rush and sometimes, not everyone gets enough,” said Emmanuel Obotu, a resident from Otukpo Township.

“We appreciate his effort, but this is a town of thousands, and one person’s kindness cannot solve an age-long crisis,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Benue State government has acknowledged the crisis and recently announced plans to revamp the Otobi Water Works.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Hon Ugwu Ameh Odoh, promised to restore the facility and improve water supply in the area.

He said, “The council also directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change to invite CGC to commence the rehabilitation of the facility and restore water supply in Otobi, Otukpo and their environs.”
(DAILY POST)

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.

Metro

Police Arrest Private Chef Over Alleged N150m Theft, Drugging Of Employer, Burglary

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, who said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.

According to police findings, Govi, who allegedly gained employment as a chef at the residence, was said to have studied the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators said he reportedly worked with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police alleged that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative substance to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After they reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, alongside other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.