Residents of Kogi West are living through some of the most unsettling weeks in recent memory as relentless bandit attacks, kidnappings, and armed invasions continue to unsettle communities across the senatorial district. From Yagba to Kabba-Bunu and parts of Lokoja, the fear is palpable. For many locals, the crisis has become not just a security challenge but an existential one.
In the midst of the escalating violence, concerned stakeholders are urging the Kogi State Government to take immediate and decisive action—beginning with a temporary halt to all mining activities across the state, with particular attention to Kogi West, where illegal gold mining is rampant.
Mining, Insecurity, and a Brewing Crisis
Kogi West is renowned for its rich mineral deposits, especially gold. But with its mineral wealth has come a shadow of unregulated mining operations. Several illegal mining camps scattered across forests and border communities have, according to locals, become strategic shelters and operational bases for criminal syndicates.
Stakeholders argue that suspending all mining—legal and illegal—could help destabilize the financial and logistical networks that sustain these groups.
“The state government must shut down mining activities now,” a local advocate emphasized. “These illegal sites have become cover points for bandits, whether knowingly or not.”
A Region Under Fire
Reports of kidnappings, highway ambushes, and violent raids have become disturbingly frequent. In some areas, residents say attacks occur “day and night,” leaving communities on edge and crippling normal life.
Despite recent visits by the Executive Governor to various security heads and service chiefs, many in Kogi West believe more aggressive action is needed. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, locals insist the governor has both the authority and responsibility to adopt more decisive measures to protect lives.
Border Routes Under Increased Scrutiny
Security experts and residents are drawing attention to the porous border between Kogi West and Kwara State. This heavily forested corridor, they say, has become a major infiltration route for armed criminals moving between states.
Stakeholders are pushing for heightened federal-backed security operations—particularly aerial surveillance and targeted interventions—to flush out entrenched criminal camps. While the suggestion of air support has sparked debate, many locals insist it may be the only way to suppress the heavily armed networks terrorizing border communities.
Public Pressure Mounts on Government
With each passing day, pressure grows on the Kogi State Government to intensify its response. Community groups, traditional leaders, youth associations, and civil society activists are united in their call for stronger security deployments, improved intelligence gathering, and increased collaboration with federal forces.
But above all, they insist that temporarily halting mining activities is “a necessary first step.”
“We cannot continue to lose our people,” a youth leader said. “The link between illegal mining and banditry is now obvious. If mining must stop to save lives, so be it.”
Communities Cry Out for Immediate Intervention
In villages across Kogi West, the emotional toll is mounting. Families have fled their homes, farmers have abandoned farmlands, and economic activities are grinding to a halt. The pervasive fear is pushing communities to the brink.
“The government must prioritize human lives over mining profits,” a women’s advocacy leader told Blueprint. “Our people are dying. We need urgent action.”
What Comes Next?
As the situation worsens, all eyes remain on the Kogi State Government for decisive steps that can restore peace. Stakeholders insist that suspending mining, tightening border security, and deploying coordinated air and ground operations could significantly disrupt the activities of criminal gangs.
Until then, the people of Kogi West continue to live under the shadow of escalating violence—hoping that leadership, courage, and swift government action will eventually return peace to their troubled communities.
– Ahmad Ibrahim writes from Lokoja.
