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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
A Kogi state community leader and a public affairs analyst , Dr Shae Bebeyi has called on the federal government to immediately intervene in the incessant banditry attacks, killings and kidnappings going on in the Yoruba speaking areas of the state.
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The community leader who said in the last six months no fewer than 88 attacks have been carried out in the area resulting to dozens of deaths, destruction of properties with several people still under the captivity of the bandits. Dr Bebeyi while speaking to newsmen in lokoja on Monday said ‘Okun land is seriously bleeding’ with women and innocent children being the soft target while many of the communities in Yagba and Bunu districts have been ravaged and turned to ghost towns and villages. He particularly mentioned some children and women abducted at the ECWA church Aiyetoro Kiri who were been showing in the social media by their abductors saying their condition was critical and government must immediately swing into action to rescue them. “The reality facing thousands of our people is heartbreaking,” Dr Bebeyi stated. “Bandits and kidnappers have invaded our peace and turned our ancestral homes into havens of fear. The terror of these criminals has completely enveloped our people, leaving them vulnerable and traumatised.” Dr Bebeyi specifically pointed to recent tragedies that have shaken the region to its core. “The senseless killings in Olle-Bunu and the daring kidnappings at Aiyetoro-Kiri are not just statistics; they are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking reminders that no one is safe. We are mourning, and in Okunland today, mourning has become the order of the day.” He underscored the devastating economic impact of the insecurity, noting that the “economic lifeblood” of Okunland is being suffocated. “Our farmers, who were once the pride of this region and the backbone of our economy, now live in constant fear. When a farmer cannot go to his field for fear of death or abduction, the heart of our economy stops beating. We are facing an existential threat to our livelihood.” The community leader who said the state government seems to have been overwhelmed on the security situations in okun land, called on president Bola Tinubu to immediately wade into the situation to save the people from further bloodshed. Proffering solution to the upsurge, Dr Bebeyi called on the state government to immediately integrate the local hunters and vigilante into the security architecture of the state with good welfare package “We demand the official integration and adequate funding of local hunters and vigilante groups. These brave individuals know our terrain better than any outsiders and are the first line of defence. “We also call for the immediate and permanent deployment of specialised anti-kidnapping units to known “black spots” and transit corridors across Okunland to intercept these criminals. “We also demand Sustained Protection; We demand proactive action to protect the lives and properties of our citizens, ensuring that our communities are no longer soft targets for terrorists. While expressing deep concern, Dr Bebeyi acknowledged the efforts made by various levels of government. “I use this opportunity to thank the local authorities, the State Government, and the Federal Government for their commitment and the steps taken so far to end these acts of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. Their efforts are noted.” However, the community leader concluded with a stark reminder: “Despite these efforts, the reality remains—Okunland is bleeding. Fear is in the air, and our people cannot wait any longer. We need a decisive, overwhelming response to stop the carnage and restore the peace that Okunland is known for”.
