By Abubakar Yusuf.
Onu Ankpa, Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar has appealed to both local, state and federal government to collaborate with one another over the fragile security situations in Ankpa town, Kogi state.
The monarch called for the establishment of a military base to counter further activities of the criminal elements in the area.
He made the call in a condolence message to the people of Ankpa town and its environs, particularly those that lost their loved ones during the unfortunate bank robberies on Wednesday.
The royal father expressed worries that ten years after similar incidence was witnessed, government was no longer proactive to avoid reoccurrence from the men of the underworld.
He maintained that Ankpa town deserve more security presence, particularly as it is a major city linking the south eastern states of Nigeria, as well as being the most commercially and densely populated area in Kogi East senatorial district.
He called on the security agencies to intensify intelligence gatherings, and form synergy with the local vigilante groups so as to nip any of such dastardly act from the men of the underworld in the bud.
“We had similar criminal invasion of fully armed men about a decade ago, the period was enough to set up a military base in Ankpa so as to secure lives and properties of innocent citizens going about their legitimate activities.
“The local government cannot do it, hence we are calling on the state and federal government to come to our aide, to discourage any further incursion to Ankpa town of this hardened criminals.
“My kingdom had been enjoying relative peace and development, therefore, the need for complimentary efforts on the part of government to restore people’s confidence, security of lives and properties.
“With the palpable insecurity due to invasion of armed robbers, the local investors and traders daily trooping into the town for their legitimate activities will no longer rely on the fragile security,” he said.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Umar prayed against reoccurrence, urging government should rise up to the occasion.
