Engineer Julius Inedu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has faulted calls for the closure of the Ade-Egwu Trailer Park in Orokam, describing such a move as misguided and damaging to the local economy.
His reaction comes after Dan Onjeh, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate in the last general election, and others urged authorities to shut down the park, alleging links to recent kidnappings and insecurity in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement issued from Owukpa, Inedu stressed that while security concerns are genuine, there has been no credible intelligence or official confirmation that the trailer park serves as a base for criminal activities.
He warned that shutting down the facility would punish innocent traders and workers who depend on the park for their livelihoods.
“Thousands of our brothers and sisters earn a living from the trailer park through legitimate businesses that feed families and sustain communities,” Inedu said.
“Do we now begin to close every market in Ogbadibo because of insecurity in their surroundings? That would be tantamount to shutting down the entire local government.”
Instead of reactionary measures, he urged collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers, and local leaders to strengthen surveillance and empower vigilantes around commercial centers.
“Insecurity must be tackled with wisdom and vision, not fear-driven decisions that hurt the very people we claim to represent,” he added.
Orokam insecurity: Julius Inedu counters Onjeh, warns against closing Ade-Egwu Trailer Park
