The apex sociocultural organization known as Ukomu Igala Organization has raised serious security concerns bedeviling residents of Kogi East Senatorial zone in Kogi State.
The organization which represents the voice of the Igala ethnic nationality said the outcry has become necessary as people of rural communities in the zone have been dying in silence due to rising spate of kidnapping, armed robbery, attacks by gunmen and communal clash.
According to a statement signed by National Leader of UIO, David Abutu and its National Secretary Dr Sabastine Abu, said, “the attention of Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO), has been drawn to the unsavoury security situations in Igala land, leading to fear, apprehension, and rampant bloodshed in the nine Local Government Areas.
The statement recounted that, ” In April this year, a traditional ruler Onu Iyankpe, a surbub of Bagana in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State was kidnapped from his palace.
His abductors killed him in cold blood after collecting ransom from family and friends of the monarch.
“On July 18, 2021, a medical doctor, Dr Solomon Nidiamaka, working with General Hospital Ugwolawo, in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state was kidnapped by gunmen in similar circumstance.
“Equally, on September 6, 2021, Mrs Fatimetu Ishaku, the General Manager of Radio Kogi at Ochaja was kidnapped while on transit to her village.
Few day later, precisely on September 11, 2021, one Idris Bala was killed by Fulani herdsman at Ojapata Oganigu village in Dekina local government of Kogi state.
