The heart of Ankpa Local Government Area in Kogi State is heavy with sorrow and outrage following a gruesome incident that has sent shockwaves far beyond its boundaries. A young boy’s life was snatched in the most barbaric manner , brutally beheaded, leaving an entire community gripped with grief, fear and disbelief. The tragedy has not only shattered a family but also awakened a deep sense of urgency for collective action in the face of rising insecurity.
What makes the situation even more alarming is the disturbing reality that some individuals within the community may know the perpetrators yet have chosen to remain silent. This silence is not an act of neutrality , it is an open door for evil to thrive. If those who kill without conscience can walk freely today, there is no guarantee that tomorrow’s victim will not be you, a family member, or a friend. Every day of silence emboldens them, every moment of hesitation allows them to sharpen their cruelty.
Ankpa cannot afford to be a community where fear overrides truth. The moral duty to speak up is not negotiable. Information is power and in this case, it could be the very key to stopping a cycle of bloodshed. Those with knowledge of the killers’ identities must step forward, not only to the authorities but also to community leaders who can coordinate efforts to ensure justice is served. Evil only flourishes where good people fold their arms and look away.
This tragedy is also a call to the political leaders of Ankpa , those who have been entrusted with the responsibility to protect lives and uphold the dignity of their constituents. The time for mere condolences is over; what is needed now is decisive action. Leaders must urgently work with law enforcement agencies to bolster security presence, ensure thorough investigations and push for swift and uncompromising justice. Let this be a turning point where Ankpa sends a clear message that no act of murder will go unpunished.
The pain of this loss should not fade into the background of forgetfulness. It must fuel a united resolve to reclaim the safety of our streets and the sanctity of human life. From elders to youths, from leaders to ordinary citizens, Ankpa must stand as one in the face of this menace. Divisions and political differences must be set aside; the blood of an innocent child demands a higher loyalty, the loyalty to humanity and to the survival of the community.
The time for silence is over. To remain mute in the face of evil is to become an accomplice. Ankpa must unite, expose these killers and protect her home from sliding into a place where murder is just another headline. The safety of our people, the peace of our land, and the future of our children depend on what we do now. Evil will not win if we stand together, speak the truth and demand justice without compromise.
I am Michael Ojodale Samuel Idoko,
Writing From Federal Capital Territory.
