Kogi Stakeholders Task Federal Gov’t On Ending Benue Killings

Some concerned stakeholders in Kogi State have called on the Federal Government to act decisively to end killings in Kogi State to avert potential national food crisis

This concern was raised during a reception in organised to honour Kogi State Head of Service, (HoS), Elijah Evinemi, in Lokoja, by his friends.

Speakers at the event, described the situation in Benue State as a growing national concern and emergency that threatens lives and livelihood.

In their various submissions, speakers commended President Bola Tinubu for the proactive steps taken so far to solve the security situation in the country, particularly his recent visit to Benue State to reassure the people of the federal government’s commitment to their safety.

Speaking with Journalists on the sideline of the occasion, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo, stressed the economic significance of Benue State to the nation.

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“Benue is widely known as the ‘Food basket of the nation,” he said. “From grains to vegetables and livestock, the state plays a central role in feeding millions across Nigeria. If this violence continues, we risk plunging the country into a major food crisis.”

The Head of Service, Mr. Evinemi, who also echoed the concern, urged the federal government to take swift and strategic action to restore peace in Benue.

“This is not just a Benue problem; it is a national concern,” Evinemi stated. “We cannot sit back and watch a vital food-producing region descend into chaos.”

Also speaking, Special Adviser to Governor Usman Ododo on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka, called for coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes, criminality, and the displacement of communities.

“Security must be strengthened, and dialogue mechanisms must be put in place to address long-standing grievances,” Edoka advised. “The time to act is now.”

The traditional ruler of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty, Muhammed Tijani Anaje, urged a multi-sectoral approach, combining military intervention with community reconciliation.

For his part, Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gabriel Amari, added that the economic implications of the crisis could be dire if decisive steps were not taken to halt violence in the state.

“Already, food prices are soaring,” he said. “Further disruption to food production will hurt the poor the most. This crisis must not be allowed to fester,” he maintained.

The stakeholders jointly called for enhanced security deployment, support for displaced persons, and robust conflict-resolution mechanisms.

They stressed, that unless swift action is taken, the deteriorating situation could spiral into a larger national disaster with far-reaching consequences.

Stakeholders however, commended the Governor Ododo for placing security on the front burner in the state, saying that in spite of the challenges, Kogi still remains one of the safest state in Nigeria.