Group Condemns Attacks, Kidnappings in Kogi, Calls for Improved Security

Ugo Aliogo

Okun Development Association (ODA), a socio-cultural body of the Yoruba people of Kogi State, has condemned, in very strong terms, the attack on the Divisional Police Station as well as three banks killing two persons in Egbe and Odo Ere, Yagba West Local Government Area.

A statement by the National Secretary, ODA, Pastor Ben Abereoran, said the Tuesday attack was a confirmation of their cry that Okun land needed more protection,adding that security agencies should do more to nip crimes and criminality in the bud.

They added that the attack on the three banks crippled economic activities and the attendant loss of life was extremely very sad.

The group sympathized with the families of those who lost loved ones in the attack, while praying for God to grant the deceased eternal rest.

The group said: “It was the fear of this and similar occurrences in different parts of Okunland that made the ODA to passionately plead with the state government very early in the life of the administration to reconsider her invitation to Fulanis (Bororos)who pretend as ordinary people going about for their survival, whereas they had and still harbor evil intentions.

Today, we all know better.

“This attack is coming few months after the Jail break at the Federal Minimum Correctional Centre, Kabba, and the Kidnappings in Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Mopa Amuro, Oworo land, Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas and recent kidnap attempt on the Commissioner of Environment, Chief Victor Adewale Omofaiye.”

The group called for improved security in the area towards nipping the recent upsurge of kidnapping in Okun land, saying security agencies must rise up to their responsibility of protecting lives and property of the people.

“The state government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, should release the report of the Isanlu Armed Robbery attack as nothing has been heard about those claimed to be arrested.

“ ODA is making a clarion call on all security apparatus in the country to come and save us from these kidnappings, savagery, banditry and killings being carried out by yet to be identified persons. We make this call all the time hoping that the authorities will rise to the occasion.

“Sadly, it gets worse with each passing day. What can the people do if the security agencies are unable to provide adequate security cover to the people? Our local government chairmen should also sit up and justify the trust of the people by partnering with relevant stakeholders like traditional rulers to arrest the current externally imposed situation we find ourselves,” the group said.