By Ralph Agbana.
Member of House of Representatives for Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi state, Hon Leke Abejide has declared that urgent intervention is taking shape and will be effective soon to combat and rescue the people of the constituency from rising banditry, kidnapping and killings in the area.
Hon Abejide’s declaration followed the series of devastating attacks that have left eight security personnel dead in the area within 11 days and the public in palpable fear. The latest of the attacks was the killing of two mobile policemen in Isanlu-Ilafin road, in Yagba East Local Government Area, on Sunday. Previously, on September 10, no fewer than three policemen and two vigilantes were killed in Egbe, Yagba West LGA, by suspected bandits. One soldier was also reportedly killed midweek during a kidnapping incident involving a Chinese national that occurred in Ejiba, also in Yagba West LGA.
The situation has thrown residents of the various communities in Yagba into deep mourning in the past few days and vulnerable to further attacks by gunmen, in recent cases targeting security operatives and their ammunition.
Abejide in the passionate statement he personally signed expressed deep sorrow and trauma over the recent attacks, describing the situation as both unacceptable and deeply troubling.
“Yagba is confronted with security conundrums posed by armed banditry, which pose a threat to our communities. The security situation across Yagba is worrisome as it has become increasingly complex. Our people now live in constant fear,” he said.
The lawmaker noted that the wave of insecurity has paralyzed daily life and livelihoods in many Yagba communities.
“My people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed. Going to the farm—their main source of livelihood, has become a dangerous venture. Even doing legitimate business is now risky. It is that bad,” he lamented.
Hon Abejide said “This is no longer acceptable, as these criminal and inhumane activities must not be allowed to continue. Something must be done urgently to restore peace and normalcy to our communities.”
He appealed directly to the people to be patient as all arrangements are being made and would be concluded earnestly, saying “ As you all know security is capital-intensive and every authority concerned must be involved to support the fight against insecurity in our area. The situation is dire. My people are living in fear every day, but we will do everything possible to stamp out criminals from our communities.”
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to achieve the needed results while noting that the security of the lives and properties of citizens is a constitutional priority.
The lawmaker sympathized with affected families and communities, in Sunday’s incident along the Isanlu-Ilafin road, assuring them of his continued commitment to working with both federal and state governments to ensure lasting security across communities in Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro.
“This is a trying time for us all, but I assure you, we will not relent until peace is restored and our people can once again live without fear.”
He admitted that words of assurances alone are not enough at this time but action. “I did not want to address you again until we are done with current arrangements to protect our domain from constant threats and attacks from marauders but I am compelled to address you so that you will not think nothing is being done”, he said noting that in no distant time, all arrangements would have been concluded to stamp out criminals from Yagba communities and farmlands.
“What you need is action and results which shall come soon and very soon”, he added.
