Residents of Kogi East senatorial district have raised alarm over a mass influx of strange groups of people entering their communities. In Igala-ogba district, Alloma, Ofu local government area, residents report that a new set of Fulani herdsmen are settling in the forest between Okula Alloma and Ewune, competing with farmers for land and water resources.
Similarly, in Ofakaga, Ugwolawo district of Ofu, residents have noticed an unusual influx of unknown herders, some without cattle or families, around Ofakaga, Alade, and Ojuwoajonuchegbo communities. In parts of Dekina local government, particularly Egume, Abejukolo Egume, Ochaja, Ukwaja, and Ogbulu, strange settlements by large numbers of unknown visitors have been observed.
Another group of such invaders has been seen around Ukwaja forest in Idah local government, as well as in the Odolu axis of Odolu/Igalamela local government. The local security network, Kogi East Neighborhood Watch (KENW), confirmed receiving distressed calls from community members about the invasion of strange settlers.
KENW stated that the invasion by armed men poses a threat and danger signals. “This is farming season, and members of the communities are already scared to go to their farms because the intentions of the invaders are unknown, especially since the strangers are bearing arms. Considering the fragile security situation in rural communities, the development is frightening and scaring,” the organization said.
The local security group called on the Kogi state government, the state Commissioner of Police, local government chairmen, and the Kogi State Traditional Council to intervene by visiting these settlements to profile the armed men before they unleash terror on innocent farmers and residents across the senatorial district. They also appealed to Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, representing Kogi East, to protect his constituents.
Meanwhile, a female traditional ruler known as Iye Ebule of Igo Ward in Ofu local government was abducted at about 1 a.m. last Wednesday by unknown gunmen. On the same day, a young man riding to his farm between Avrugo and Odolu was ambushed and killed with machetes. KENW emphasized that the threats are real, stating, “We need help.”
