THREE Ward heads in Orokam District in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State, along with the community’s youth President have issued an urgent appeal to Governor Hyacinth Alia, demanding the immediate shutdown of a Trailer Park located in Ade-Igwu, alleging that it is a hub for criminal activities destabilising the community.
The call, contained in a letter to Governor Alia, is signed by the three ward heads — Chief Jacob Sule (Orokam Ward I), Chief Emmanuel Ogidi (Orokam Ward II), and Chief Pius Ojobo Aba (Orokam Ward III) — and Comrade Victor Onoja, the Youth President of Orokam District.
The letter, dated August 18, 2025, obtained by National Record, and entitled “A Call To Shutdown Ade-Igwu Trailer Park”, highlighted resolutions reached during a recent security meeting, where leaders identified the trailer park as a sanctuary for criminal elements fueling violence in the area.
The community leaders explained that at the security meeting, it was resolved that the Ade-Igwu Trailer Park harbours individuals responsible for the escalating insecurity in Orokam.
It was also resolved that all occupants, including outsiders and local business operators, are to vacate the park to restore peace. As a result, the community called for the park’s closure without delay to ensure stability and order in the community.
The letter emphasised the need for swift government intervention, underscoring the park’s alleged role in undermining safety and economic activities in Orokam.
The signatories urged Governor Alia to prioritise the matter, warning that failure to address the trailer park’s alleged criminal operations could exacerbate insecurity in the area.
To ensure broad awareness and action, the communiqué was copied to key stakeholders, including traditional leaders: Chief Joseph Ikwuje (Ochagwuba) and Chief Emmanuel Odeh (Ad’Ogbadibo); security agencies – the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Orokam, the Ogbadibo Area Commander, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP); and the Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, Comrade Ajunwa Sunday.
As of press time, the Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response. However, the letter has intensified pressure on authorities to act, with local leaders vowing to escalate advocacy until their demands are met.
The letter reflects growing frustration among residents over unchecked violence and the need for decisive measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
