• Stakeholder seeks collaborative action against kidnappings, killings
Three indigenes of Okoloke in Yagba West, Kogi State, were ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen just days after the abduction of Oba Ogunyanda Ilufemiloye, the Obalohun of Okoloke.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has heightened tensions following the monarch’s kidnapping on Thursday. The victims were identified as Ogunbiyi Dele, the Oluode of Okoloke, Moses Jimoh, and Tobi Olu, also known as India. Two of the victims were members of the local hunters’ group and were reportedly on their way to Egbe, a neighbouring town, to make purchases.
The Obalohun remains in the custody of his captors. In response, Abidemi Adeyemi, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), called on federal, state, and local governments, as well as traditional institutions, to collaborate on enhanced vigilance and develop strategies to combat kidnapping, banditry, and killings in Yagba West and the wider Okun community.
Adeyemi stressed the urgent need for immediate action by the Kogi State government to rescue the kidnapped monarch and restore public confidence in the region.
In a statement issued yesterday, he highlighted the threat that these security challenges pose to socio-economic activities and critical agricultural and water resource projects in the area.
Adeyemi reaffirmed the LNRBDA’s commitment to development projects but emphasised that peace is essential for progress. He added: “Our investments in infrastructure and agriculture mean little if our people live in fear. We urge all stakeholders to join hands with us in this critical fight for stability. The time to act is now. Let us stand with our local heroes—the vigilantes—to reclaim our communities and secure a prosperous future for Okun and Yagba West.”
By : Ralph Omololu Agbana, @TheGuardianNews
