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Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District, led a high-powered delegation to the Rijio community in Ogegege Ward, Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, on January 18, 2026, to express solidarity and condemn recent acts of violence that have shaken the area.
The visit focused on addressing the aftermath of unrest involving youths, during which the home of Hon. Matthew Ipkoki, a former two-time Caretaker Committee Chairman and elected Chairman of Ado LGA, was set ablaze. The delegation also condemned the burning and looting of the residence of the clan head, Chief Ojoh, describing the acts as deeply damaging to community values and cohesion.
Accompanying Senator Moro were prominent figures from the political and traditional leadership of the zone, including Rt. Hon. George Alli, former Chairman of Otukpo LGA and former Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to the Senate President; Rt. Hon. Egili Ahubi, former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Edo Ochogbole, former Deputy Speaker and current SLA to the Deputy Senate President; Hon. Frank Igbe, former Assembly member and current Zonal Ex-Officio of the PDP; Hon. Amina Audu, former Chairman of Okpokwu LGA; Hon. Solomon Onah, former Director-General of Benue BENSSA; Hon. Sunday Oche, Chief of Staff to Rt. Hon. James O. Oche; and Hon. Abraham Ochoga, PDP Chairman of Ado LGA.
During the engagement, Senator Moro visited Mr. Victor Ujoh, son of community leader Hon. Damian Ujoh, who sustained a gunshot wound during the disturbances. The Senator expressed deep compassion, promising to personally cover Victor’s hospital bills as a gesture of support and care for affected individuals and families.
The delegation also stopped at the community square to interact directly with youths, where they urged them to embrace responsibility, mutual support, and positive conduct. Senator Moro emphasized the need for youths to become protectors rather than destroyers of their communities, calling for a shift away from destructive behavior toward constructive contributions.
Rt. Hon. [Chief] James O. Oche, Federal Commissioner (Benue State) at the Public Complaints Commission, who was present and shared updates from the visit, reiterated his commitment—alongside Senator Moro and other leaders—to work toward restoring peace, fostering respect among young people, and rebuilding what has been lost. He described the visit as a demonstration of unity and solidarity, stressing that collective healing and strength are essential for a united Benue State.
Human rights activist Ukan Kurugh, who accompanied the Senator, described the engagement as significant and heartfelt. He expressed full support for Senator Moro’s condemnation of the violence and call for accountability, noting that such incidents are disheartening and counterproductive. Kurugh highlighted the importance of inspiring youths to channel their energies positively and reaffirmed the shared goal of protecting community values.
The visit comes at a time when parts of Benue State, particularly in the southern senatorial zone, have witnessed sporadic youth-related unrest linked to communal tensions and other grievances. Senator Moro’s outreach underscores ongoing efforts by political leaders to promote dialogue, accountability, and reconciliation in affected communities while addressing the root causes of such incidents to prevent future occurrences.
