Social Critic, Comrade Usman Austin Okai, says the inaction on the part of Kogi State Government has led to the thriving activities of kidnappers in Kogi east. He further laments that kidnappers now have a safe heaven in Kogi East due to governments negligence. Saying we only hear of high profile kidnap cases as there is no day that goes by without a person or people being kidnapped in the Igala speaking part of the state, which goes unreported or underreported.
In this vein,he calls for more actions on the part of the state government against the activities of this disgruntled elements, that had turned Igala/Bassa land as their operational base.
He says the recent activities of kidnappers that has turned Kogi east to no go area, is now a nightmare. As kidnappings have become daily occurrence in all parts of Kogi east.
Okai maintained that the safety of lives and properties of the people of the state, is at the instance of the state government. Urging the state government to jettison selective inclusion and adopt collective actions.
He further stated that, aside the incessant kidnappings of high profile individuals across the senatorial district, many citizens of the area are held captive in the kidnappers den. These vile elements (kidnappers) also demand for food items as part of their ransom. This is happening under the current state government and nothing, absolutely no measures is in place to abate these dangerous trend.
Just recently, a high class traditional ruler of Ankpa kingdom, a former Chief judge of Sharia Court and many other victims were kidnapped. Leaving some victims being killed by their abductors across Kogi east.
The people of kogi east are now completely at the mercy of armed gangs who roam towns and villages at will. Maiming and kidnapping people at will. Wrecking havoc without any effort from the state government.
Two days ago, Barrister Isaac Ekpa was kidnapped along Anyigba road on his way for his father’s burial in Ogugu. Also the acting Eje of Ankpa was also kidnapped on his way to the mosque.
The activists said the current situation in the Igala/ Bassa region has demonstrated that Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration has failed in providing adequate security.
He wondered why the state government keep maintaining consistent silence on the ugly development in Kogi east. While other parts of the state enjoy the cover of either rejigged security apparatus or highly sophisticated vigilantee groups.
The social crusader challenge the state government to set up a special squad which will comprise of both local vigilantee group and hunters to man Kogi east, so as to curtail or put to an end the activities of criminal elements in the area.
He opined that, the lackadaisical attitude of the state government will allow the current ugly developement to go on unabated, against the well being of the people of the area, Kogi state in general, whom the took an oath to protect.
Okai while praying for the release of Barrister Isaac Ekpa and acting Ejeh of Ankpa tasks the traditional rulers to rise up in unionism and draw the attention of the authorities to the prevailing insecurity that has ravaged our communities. The time to demand an immediate improvement in security in the region and entire the state is now.
