By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Unknown gunmen on Friday morning invaded Odo-Ape community, Kabba-Bunu local government area of the state killing two farmers who were on their farms.
It was reliably gathered that the victims, identified as Mr. Black, a Tiv man, and Sunday Aiyedero, were tragically shot and killed while going about their daily activities on their farms..
Sequel to this development, youths of Odo-Ape on Saturday morning staged a protest, blocking the federal highway that runs through the community.
They demanded 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 make sure that no movement of vehicles on that highway before the Interventions of the security agencies who cleared the road after several hours.
Sequel to this development, the Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, on Saturday in Lokoja ordered an immediate crackdown on the attackers responsible for the recent violence in the Odo Ape community, located in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the Governor directed the State Security Adviser to collaborate with security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The government is putting all hands on deck to ensure that the attackers do not escape justice,” the statement read.
Governor Ododo urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisals, which he warned could lead to further losses. He expressed his condolences to the affected families and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.
“We sympathize with the communities affected by this unfortunate incident. Rest assured, the Ododo Administration is fully committed to your security and will stop at nothing to guarantee your safety,” the statement added.
The state government also called on the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their efforts to apprehend the culprits.
“Every life in Kogi State is important, and we need the cooperation of our people to end criminal activities,” the statement emphasized.
Security operatives have already been deployed to Odo Ape and other flashpoints in the area to restore peace and ensure the protection of lives and properties. The government assured residents that normalcy would be restored within hours.
Governor Ododo further pledged that those who lost their lives in the attack would not be forgotten and vowed to build the state’s capacity to combat criminal elements effectively.
“The victims of this heinous act will not die in vain. We remain resolute in our fight against the enemies of peace and security in Kogi State,” he concluded.
