From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Unknown gunmen on Friday morning, invaded Odo-Ape community in Kabba-Bunu local government area of Kogi state killing two farmers
Victims, identified as Mr. Black, a Tiv man, and Sunday Aiyedero, were tragically shot and killed while going about their farming activities.
Following the development, on Saturday morning, youths of Odo-Ape staged a protest, blocking the federal highway that run through the community demanding immediate action from the government to address the escalating security crisis and protect the lives of citizens.
The highway from Odo-Ape to Obajana-Lokoja was totally blocked by the youths who made sure that no movement of vehicles on that highway.
It took the Interventions of the security agencies to clear the road after several hours.
Meanwhile, Sen. Sunday Karimi, Representing Kogi West Senatorial District at the national assembly, has assured that no stone would be left unturned in securing lives and properties in the District.
Sen. Karimi gave the assurance while condemning the gruesome attacks on Odo Ape by unknown gunmen, assured that this would be the last of such attacks on the community.
The Senator condemned in strong terms the attacks saying, “the killings of my people must stop”.
Sen. Karimi who was reacting to the recent murder of two innocent citizens of Odo Ape by Criminals masquerading as Herdsmen, who he claimed are taking refuge in some forests of Kogi West, promised to do all that is physically and spiritually possible to get the criminals out of Kogi West forest.
He says he will stop at “everything that is needed security wise, even if it requires invoking the spirits of our forefathers”, to bring to an end the attack on his people.
Sen. Karimi assured that he is already interfacing with the relevant security authorities, working with the State and Federal Governments, to ensure that the recent attack is the last on any community in the Senatorial District.
Sen. Karimi appealed to the youths of the community not to take laws into their hands, said the Local, State and Federal Government is resolved to intervene on the security situation in the area with measures that would make it the last on any community in Kogi West.
Also, Obaro Christopher Olorunmola Foundation has called for government intervention following the gruesome killings.
He also extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family of Sunday Aiyedero and the people of Odo-Ape community in Kogi State, who have been thrown into mourning after the brutal killings of two innocent farmers by unknown gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers.
The Foundation said they believes that the government has the resources to restore peace and calls for decisive action to be taken.
“We urge the government to offer support and stand with the families of the victims, ensuring that justice is served.
“The people of Odo-Ape and the wider Kabba-Bunu LGA deserve peace and protection, and we call on all relevant authorities to prioritize the safety of citizens in this region.
Effort to speak with Kogi State police command public relations officer, SP William Ayah to confirmed the sad incident proved abortive as he could not be reached.
