Kogi Lawmaker raises alarm over rising insecurity

An undisclosed number of individuals have lost their lives following an attack by gunmen in the Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident was confirmed on Wednesday by Sunday Daku, a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing Bassa.

During a session, Daku, who raised a motion of urgent public importance, expressed his sorrow over the ongoing violence that has claimed lives in his constituency. He highlighted the alarming increase in attacks, noting that Bassa was once a peaceful community that thrived on harmony among various ethnic, religious, and political groups until an inter-tribal conflict emerged in 2016.

Daku remarked, “Former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello made significant efforts to restore peace in Bassa, and that tranquility continued under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. However, that peace has now been disrupted by unknown assailants taking innocent lives.”

He recounted recent events, including an incident two months ago when an unidentified assailant killed a local farmer. “Just last week, on October 23, the residents of Sheria town awoke to the devastating news of three prominent community members being murdered by unidentified gunmen. The following day, two more individuals in Sheria were also killed,” he reported.

The lawmaker urged the Kogi State Government to enhance security in Bassa and called for a strong response against those responsible for the attacks. He stated, “The government must instruct security forces to ramp up efforts and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.”

Abu Onoru-Oiza Jibrin, representing Ajaokuta State Constituency, joined the discussion, denouncing the persistent violence and highlighting that farmers are often the prime targets. He remarked, “These assaults reflect a blatant disregard for human life. I have witnessed distressing images from these attacks, where victims were horrifically beheaded and their bodies mutilated. This crisis requires urgent action to safeguard our citizens.”

Major Enefola, from the Igalamela State Constituency, called for the removal of certain security personnel in Bassa, alleging their involvement in the ongoing violence.

In response, Speaker Aliyu Yusuf directed the House Committee on Security to carry out a comprehensive investigation, enlisting local vigilante groups to help uncover the underlying causes of the unrest. He urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute those responsible, ensuring they face severe legal consequences.