Community Protests Worsening Insecurity In Kogi West As LG Chairman Sues For Calm

Some indigenes and residents of Kabba-Bunu local government area, on Friday, staged a protest over worsening insecurity in the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State.

The protest was coming few days after the President of Bunu Development Association (BDA), Pastor Kolawole Johnson Folorunsho, disclosed that over 70 people kidnapped from the area by armed bandits were still in captivity several months after.

The protesters who came out in their numbers lamented that many of their people were being held hostage by bandits operating in the area.

While calling on the government to immediately address the spate of insecurity in the area, they emphasised that many communities have been deserted over fear of being attacked by armed bandits in the state.

The protesters stressed the need for government to go urgently address the issue before things go out of hand.

There were reports that Police in Kabba allegedly teargassed the protesters to disperse them.

Efforts to speak with the Kogi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, proved abortive as at the time of filing this report. He didn’t pick his calls or respond to text messages sent to his phone line.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Kabba/Bunu local government area council in Kogi State, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, has called on the people of the area to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding following the protest against insecurity.

A statement personally signed by the chairman assured the good people of Kabba/Bunu that the local government authorities, in collaboration with the Kogi State Government and relevant security agencies, remained fully committed to restoring lasting peace and security to every nook and cranny of the local government area.

In the statement, the chairman noted that the people have a voice that should and must be heard especially in times when humanity, peace and livelihood are threatened, adding that the government shared in thier pains and doing everything to securing a lasting solution to the menace of insecurity.

He described the current situation as deeply regrettable, noting that it was unfortunate that residents have had to endure this challenging phase, particularly as criminal activities and banditry have taken a heavy toll on some rural communities.

According to him, significant measures have already been put in place to fortify the local government area. He emphasised that both the state and local governments have done, and continued to do a great deal to ensure that the ongoing fight against banditry and all forms of insecurity is decisively won.