FEARS of attack from the murderous group popularly known as Boko Haram is growing in the Idoma town of Otukpo, hometown of Senate President David Mark, prompting security agencies to be on high-alert after text messages hinting of such attack have gone viral in the last few days.
Intensive security patrols around the town are in progress to forestall any security breach. The violent Islamic sect is reportedly behind recent text messages said to have been sent to security agents, alerting them of plans to bomb the police station in the town, alongside the Otukpo Main Market and St Mary’s Church.
Security agents have been going around the town in armored personnel carriers, in company of vigilante members, Okada riders and other well meaning members of the town to forestall any such attack.
The development has thrown the town and its surroundings into a state of uncertainty as residents kept away from public gatherings, including church services yesterday.
Plain clothes security men have begun a surveillance of the community in order to identify members of the sect or those that may have link with them.
In the main, the Police in the state have fortified surveillance and security at its commands with the erection of heavy iron barricades at its entry points which makes it difficult for anybody to force his way into the premises.
Althought the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Alaribe Ejike, said he was yet to be informed about the development, police personnel in APCs and members of the vigilante groups continue to patrol Otukpo streets.