The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kogi State

  • Boost security in Ekiti boundary, says forum

    Boost security in Ekiti boundary, says forum

    A group, Resolute Forum of Oke Ako Ekiti, has called on the state to strengthen security presence in the state boundary communities with Kogi State to curtail influx of criminal elements. 

    It said this is necessary following intense onslaught by military on bandits in Kogi.

    In a statement yesterday by its President, Olaiya Kehinde, and Secretary, Yomi Adeleye, the forum appealed to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji to fortify security in these  areas.

    There has been a renewed onslaught on bandits and kidnappers in some communities in Kogi West where criminals increased their attacks on communities in Kogi West.

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    The group reasoned that the attacks on bandits in the neighbouring state was a signal that the fleeing criminal gangs would look for safe havens to continue their activities.

     “The security operation to flush out bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State is a good development, but this portends some dangers to boundary communities in Ekiti State.

    “The criminals fleeing their camps in Kogi are most likely to escape to Ekiti towns sharing boundaries with Kogi.

    “This is why we want our governor to strengthen security in Irele, Oke Ako, Itapaji, Omuo and others which share boundaries with Kogi State.”

    The group said tightened security in these areas would ensure there were no security breaches in the state, which had enjoyed relative peace.

  • Body of missing Kogi FCE student found

    Body of missing Kogi FCE student found

    Residents of Eika-Adagu Community, Lokoja, Kogi State have found the body of a 20-year-old  lady in the area.

    The body was dumped on the Lokoja/ Okene highway.

    Her vital organs were said to be missing, raising concern that the victim was a victim of ritual killing.

    Residents said the body was that of a student of Federal College of Education, Okene who was reported missing on January 24, this year.

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     Family, friends, and the college community added that they had been searching for her since.

    The body was taken by the police to Okengwe General Hospital morgue for autopsy and preservation.

    Some of the neighbours, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that bodies of  two commercial cyclists(okada operators) were recently found in the area with their vital organs also missing.

    The spokesman for the state Police Command, Ayisatu Saidu, has not responded to enquiries about the incident.

  • Security issues in Okunland: Memo to two lawmakers

    Security issues in Okunland: Memo to two lawmakers

    • By Dr Jaiyeola Lewu

    Sir: I am Ambassador Jaiyeola Joseph Lewu from Kabba town in Okunland of Kogi State, a retired career ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a senior colleague of ambassadors Shola Enikanolaiye and Rotimi. Amb Kayode Shinkaiye from Odo-eri and I were colleagues in the Foreign Service as we joined the service when we graduated in 1972. 

    I have been following the great work and the philanthropic services that you have been rendering our people in Yagbaland in particular and in Okunland in general. I have not been fortunate enough to meet with you personally but I am availing myself the opportunity of sending this message to express my sincere appreciation for your consistent dedication to representing your constituency exceedingly well and for helping so many people to better their lives and lifting them up from poverty and despair.

    May God in His infinite mercy reward you.

    The insecurity problem in Okunland is enormous and I have been following the efforts which your good self and Distinguished Senator Karimi have been taking towards combatting the suffering of our people in the hands of terrorists/ bandits. I wish to doff my hat to you both. As the Kogi government seems to leave our people to their fate rather than tackling the issue headlong, I would like to suggest the following:

    First:  A collective approach is needed by your good self, Senator Karimi and all other Okun members of the national and state assemblies to approach both the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Army Staff to establish strong military outposts in each of the five Local Government Areas in Okunland to rid our land of the terrible terrorists/bandits.  Although two military posts are reported to have been established, one at Egbe and another one Olle or so in Bunuland, each local government area should have well-manned and equipped outposts due to the large areas of Okunland.

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    Second:  Prevail on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to train and equip adequately youths in Okunland as effective vigilantes, rather than sending Fulani vigilantes to Okunland with AK47 assault rifles and who do not know our territory well but rely on our unarmed local youths to show them the hideouts of the terrorists/ bandits. Our youths, who are the locals on the spot, know the terrain better than strangers. So, let the NSA help in this regard.

    Third: Approach the Kogi State governor to complement your efforts and those of the federal government to ensure that Okunland is protected from terrorists/kidnappers who are invading our land from Niger and Kwara states. Our people are peaceful and have no arms to defend themselves; thus, they should not be left alone by the state government to fend for themselves.

    Fourth:  Encourage the youths, both men and women, at ward levels, to be courageous enough to act as community intelligence people who will be invaluable assets to our law enforcement agencies towards ridding Okunland of terrorism and kidnapping. When they see something unusual or suspicious, they should report it immediately.   The price of freedom, it has been said, is eternal vigilance.

    Finally, fifth:  Stage town hall meetings with our traditional leaders, local government chairmen and the people to encourage them to be vigilant and protect their communities. During this period of security emergency, let yourself and other assembly members and Senator Karimi focus on security projects as your main constituency objectives, particularly since there can be no development without security.

    •Dr Jaiyeola Lewu,

    Former, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia,

    Abuja.

  • Kogi community mourns as three kinsmen die, seven hospitalised after release from bandits’ captivity

    Kogi community mourns as three kinsmen die, seven hospitalised after release from bandits’ captivity

    A pall of grief has descended on Ayetoro- Kiri, a community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, following the death of three kinsmen shortly after their release from the captivity of bandits.

    It was also revealed that four other kinsmen who gained freedom from the bandits are equally in critical condition and have been hospitalised.

    The community added that a huge amount of money was paid to bandits as ransom for the release of the victims.

    The community’s spokesman, David Amupitan, also revealed that thirty (30) indigenes were still in the custody of the bandits and their fate unknown as of yesterday (Saturday).

    “The people of Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State are once again plunged into grief and despair following persistent bandit attacks, official negligence, and worsening insecurity in Bunuland.

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    “Recently, scores of residents were abducted by bandits. After a painful ransom payment raised through communal contributions, only seven victims were released. Sadly, three of them were already dead on arrival, while four others are currently battling for their lives in critical condition at medical facilities. About thirty innocent citizens remain in captivity, their fate uncertain.”

    The community enjoined both the state and federal governments to put in more efforts in ensuring the safety of lives and property in the Local Government Area.

    “We hereby appeal, urgently, to the Federal Government of Nigeria, security agencies, and all relevant authorities to intervene decisively in Ayetoro-Kiri and the entire Bunu district. Immediate action must be taken to rescue those still in captivity, restore security, and hold accountable all officials who enable or ignore this humanitarian tragedy. The lives of Bunu people matter. Enough is sincerely enough, “

    The spokesman for the state police command, CSP William Aya, could not be reached for comment as at press time.

  • Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    Bello seeks support for Tinubu as Kogi APC kicks off e-registration

    In compliance with the directives of the National headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Kogi State chapter of the party has begun its electronic membership registration .

    The exercise was kicked off by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

    Former Governor Yahaya Bello, was electronically registered at his Agasa Ward in Okene Local Government Area, at an event that attracted a large turnout of loyalists, including the Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Bello.

    Speaking shortly after his registration, Yahaya Bello described the exercise as timely and commendable. 

    He  noted that it would strengthen internal party cohesion and improve direct engagement between the party and its members.

    He described the APC as a party for all Nigerians and hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ‘ongoing efforts to reposition the country for sustainable growth and development.’

    Bello applauded the President’s resolve to make Nigeria globally competitive, particularly in the areas of economic development and human capital advancement.

    Urging party members to participate actively in the e-membership registration , Bello explained that the initiative would directly connect registered members to government interventions and empowerment programmes under the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu.

    “Let me commend everyone for turning out for this exercise today. I want to assure you that our leader and President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has good plans for the people of this great nation and he will continue to do more for the people.

     The requirement of the National Identification Number (NIN) in the e-registration process shows that members are directly linked to the party leadership and can be reached without intermediaries for empowerment and other benefits.

     I urge you to encourage members of your families to participate in this exercise,” he said.

    Bello  urged members to take forthcoming elections seriously, reiterating that the APC remains the dominant political party in Kogi State. He called on the people to sustain the party’s political fortune by voting APC candidates at all levels in future elections.

    He acknowledged that development often comes with challenges, urging Nigerians to be patient and to continue supporting the President’s reform agenda, which he described as well-intentioned and focused on long-term national progress.

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    Bello also expressed gratitude to party stakeholders in the state for their continued support. He praised the state party executive, local government chairmen, grassroots leaders, party ambassadors, and all committed supporters of the APC across the state.

    Earlier, the APC Chairman  Abdullahi Bello, informed the gathering that following the registration of the Governor and the former Governor, the e-registration  would continue across all the 21 local government areas.

    He appealed for cooperation, understanding, and prompt participation by party members to ensure the successful completion of the exercise within the timeframe set by the party’s national leadership.

    The event was witnessed by party executives, local government chairmen, local government party chairmen, and numerous party loyalists from across the area.

    Bello and the registration officer displaying his card.

  • Yuletide: Akpoti-Uduaghan lifts constituents with 2,000 bags of rice in Kogi

    Yuletide: Akpoti-Uduaghan lifts constituents with 2,000 bags of rice in Kogi

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has distributed over 2,000 bags of 25-kilogramme rice to constituents across the district’s five local government areas as part of her Christmas outreach.

    The distribution, which was held simultaneously in Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okene, Okehi, and Ogori-Magongo local government areas, was aimed at cushioning the impact of rising food prices and enabling families to celebrate the festive season with some relief.

    Addressing beneficiaries during the exercise, the senator said the initiative was driven by compassion and her conviction that leadership should translate into tangible benefits for the people.

    “Christmas is a season of love, sacrifice, and shared joy,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “At a time when many households are under pressure from the high cost of living, it is important to stand with our people in practical ways. This distribution is to ensure that families across Kogi Central can celebrate without undue hardship.”

    The rice distribution cut across community groups, women’s associations, youth organisations, religious bodies, the elderly, and other vulnerable residents within the senatorial district.

    Community leaders who monitored the exercise described it as one of the largest Christmas palliative distributions recorded in the area. A traditional ruler in Okene said the scale and spread of the intervention demonstrated genuine concern for grassroots welfare.

    “This is not symbolic support; it is real and far-reaching,” he said.

    In Adavi Local Government Area, a youth leader commended the inclusiveness of the exercise, noting that beneficiaries were selected without regard to political affiliation.

    “This is leadership that brings people together,” he said.

    The Christmas outreach adds to a series of constituency interventions by the senator, including projects and programmes in healthcare, education, solar-powered infrastructure, water supply, and women and youth empowerment across Kogi Central.

    Speaking in Okehi, Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her commitment to service-oriented representation, saying her duties extend beyond legislative functions.

    “Representation means being present, listening to the people and responding with actions that improve daily life,” she said.

    Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful. 

    Residents said the distribution has further reinforced confidence in responsive governance and highlighted the value of empathy and service in public office.

  • Twelve killed, two injured in Kogi crash as FRSC urges caution on highways

    Twelve killed, two injured in Kogi crash as FRSC urges caution on highways

    No fewer than twelve people died while two were injured in a road accident involving a passenger bus along the Ejule/ Enugu highway in Kogi State late Friday night.

    The accident involved an 18-seater Toyota Hiace Bus belonging to Romchi Mass Transit, which occurred around 11:30 p.m. at the Iboko community in Idah Local Government Area of the State.

    The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which confirmed the accident, said the bus was heading to the eastern part of the country from Abuja.

    The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, Tenimu Etuku, told reporters on Saturday in Lokoja that overspeeding led to the accident.

    “The bus was travelling from Abuja to the Eastern part of the country but rammed into a stationary faulty articulated vehicle due to overspeeding, he disclosed.

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    The sector commander said that the FRSC personnel, who carried out the rescue operation, rushed those injured to Mercy of Jesus Hospital, Ejule, for medical attention, while the dead were deposited in the morgue.

    Etuku, who expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, reiterated the dangers inherent in excessive speeding and reckless overtaking by motorists.

    ” At this yuletide, motorists must be careful and adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid such accidents and wastage of precious lives.

    “I believe this is one way to help the FRSC and the Federal Government reduce the alarming rate of road traffic crashes and fatalities in the country.

    “I hereby urge drivers to exercise patience and maintain safe driving practices, especially during long-distance journeys during this yuletide.

  • Kogi community in fear as gunmen kill two, abduct ten,

    Kogi community in fear as gunmen kill two, abduct ten,

    Presidents of Olle Community in Kabba Bunu Local Government  Area of Kogi State are now in fear as gunmen reportedly killed two people and abducted no fewer than ten on Saturday.

    The gunmen reportedly invaded the community on Saturday, during which they killed the two victims and abducted ten other people.

    It was also learnt that the gunmen had positioned themselves within the areas in the community, while their targets had been mainly those going to or returning from their respective farms.

    Some residents who spoke in confidence, however, said the actual number of those abducted could not be determined for now.

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    “The exact number of abducted victims remains unclear for now, but we have not been able to account for ten of our people from the nearby community called Taki  who went to their respective farms on Saturday.”

    It was also learnt that many residents of the Community had fled and relocated to the council headquarters because of fears of attack by the gunmen.

    The gunmen were also said to have presently positioned themselves along the Olle road, raising fears of further attacks and abductions.

    Efforts made to get the reaction of the state police command on the incident up till Saturday evening proved abortive.

  • Kogi foils attempts to recruit children for banditry

    Kogi foils attempts to recruit children for banditry

    • •21 minors rescued, suspects held

    Twenty-One minors have been taken into custody by the Kogi State government following the interception of the vehicle that brought them into the Confluence state.

    Confirming the development yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the children were being brought to the state from various parts of the North before security operatives intercepted their vehicles last Friday.

    The commissioner said that initial investigation revealed that those transporting the children claimed they were being brought to the state to establish an Islamic school, the claim that he said, they could not substantiate.

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    Fanwo said the 21 children whose ages range from six to 17 were already in the custody of the state government while investigation continues.

    The statement reads: “The Kogi State Government wishes to inform the public of the successful interception of a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.

  • Police to Kogi residents: Ignore false alarms, reports of attacks by bandits

    Police to Kogi residents: Ignore false alarms, reports of attacks by bandits

    The Kogi Police Command has urged residents to disregard false alarms and reports circulating on social media regarding imminent attacks by bandits in the eastern part of the state

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, gave the charge in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP William Ovye-Aya on Monday in Lokoja.

    “Such reports are unverifiable and did not constitute any elements of truth.

    “The command has taken security matters very seriously and has put measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state,” he said.

    The commissioner said that he has ordered the deployment of tactical teams, including Police Mobile Force, counter terrorism, Quick Response and intelligence units, to strategic locations across the state…

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    “Additional security assets have also been deployed to carry out operations and meet any unforeseen situations in critical areas.

    “We, hereby, urge the public to remain calm and verify information through official sources before sharing.

    “This is necessarily because false claims can cause unnecessary panic and fear among residents, ” he said.

    Kankarofi, however, appealed to the residents to work together with the police and other security agencies to keep the state safe.

    He added, “If you notice anything suspicious, please report without hesitation. Security is a shared responsibility.”

    (NAN)