From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A member, representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, from Kogi State, Hon. Teejay Yusuf has cried out over the menace of herdsmen in his constituency.
Yusuf said the spate of attacks on innocent, law-abiding and helpless communities by the rampaging herdsmen in recent weeks has led to the destruction of farm lands, loss of properties and other valuables.
During the course of these attacks, a community school in Bunu District was allegedly burnt down, while two hunters on their legitimate business at Iyamoye town in Ijumu Local Government Area were seriously attacked by these alleged herdsmen.
In a statement, the Kogi lawmaker said the attacks followed the rising, unrestricted influx of alleged Fulani herdsmen into some communities in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, which he said has led to very serious, grievous security situation, breach of law and order, as well as its negative effect on peaceful co-existence.
In the statement, Yusuf noted that, “it has become absolutely necessary that the unrestricted influx of these characters into our communities be tackled and addressed immediately and nipped in the bud with more seriousness, tact, courage and sincerity before it gets out of hand.”
He wondered how the alleged herdsmen who fled Ondo and other states in the South West were able to beat the different security and intelligence agents in and around these states and found their way into communities in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
“One is appalled with the apparent downward slide in the activities and operations of security agencies across the country. That these alleged herdsmen were able to beat the vast security network from our neighbouring states and made it to our communities is not only baffling, shocking but confusing.”
Sadly, “since the influx of these ravenous characters, destruction of farmlands, burning of properties, gruesome attacks on individuals and other negative incidents that were alien to our communities are gradually becoming daily occurrences.” he added.
He was Concerned about the likely impact of these growing attacks on the social, economic and peaceful development of not only Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, but also, Kogi West Senatorial District and the entire State.
Hon. Yusuf appealed for more pro-active measures by security agencies and total sincerity, openness and political will by the Federal Government and Kogi State in addressing and arresting the drift.
