Residents of Kogi East Senatorial District have raised concern over an influx of unfamiliar groups into their communities, alleging growing security threats across several local councils.
Influx of Fulani Herdsmen in Igala-Ogba
In Igala-Ogba district, Alloma in Ofu Local Council of Kogi State, residents reported the arrival of a new group of Fulani herdsmen who have settled in the forest between Okula Alloma and Ewune. The settlers are already competing with farmers for land and access to streams within the communities.
Concerns in Ofakaga and Ugwolawo
Similar concerns have emerged in Ofakaga, Ugwolawo district of Ofu Local Council, where residents reported an unusual influx of herders, some without cattle or families, around Ofakaga, Alade and Ojuwoajonuchegbo communities.
Emergence of Settlements in Dekina
In Dekina Local Council, particularly in Egume, Abejukolo Egume, Ochaja, Ukwaja and Ogbulu, residents also reported the emergence of settlements occupied by unfamiliar groups who arrived in large numbers. Reports of similar movements have come from Ukwaja forest in Idah Local Council, as well as the Odolu axis in Odolu/Igalamela Local Council.
Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch Raises Alarm
The Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW) said it had received distress calls from residents regarding the presence of armed strangers in their communities. The security group described the development as a threat, noting that many residents are already afraid to access their farms during the current farming season.
“This is the farming season and members of the communities are already scared of going to their farms because the intentions of the invaders are unknown to them, especially when the strangers are bearing arms. Considering the fragile security situations in the rural communities, the development is frightening and alarming.”
Call for Government Intervention
KENW called on the Kogi State Government, the Commissioner of Police, Local Council chairmen and the Kogi State Traditional Council to intervene by visiting the affected areas and profiling the armed individuals. The group also urged the senator representing Kogi East, Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho, to ensure the protection of residents. “The threats are real, we need help.”
Abduction and Killing in Ofu
Meanwhile, a female traditional ruler, the Iye Ebule of Igo Ward in Ofu Local Council, was abducted at about 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday last week by unknown gunmen. On the same day, a young man travelling to his farm between Avrugo and Odolu was ambushed and killed by gunmen. Eyewitnesses said the victim was attacked with machetes.
