The governorship candidate of African Action Congress (AAC) in Kogi state, Engr. Austin Achimugu, has called on President Bola Tinubu and heads of security agencies to investigate and halt ongoing extrajudicial killings in Kogi state.
Achimugu, while addressing newsmen in Lokoja on Wednesday, utterly condemned the recent violent incidents occurring in Ejule, Kogi East senatorial district, resulting in casualties and injuries.
He added that such should not be allowed to slide in a democratic system where the law exists.
The AAC governorship candidate expressed his dissatisfaction with the silence of the federal government regarding these unprovoked acts of state terrorism, which the people clearly recognize.
He strongly condemned the primitive and atrocious acts of political gangsterism, intimidation, and violence against opponents or their supporters, stressing that they are grave crimes against humanity.
“Democracy should not be about the coercion and terrorism, but rather about persuasion and the exchange of ideas.
“Reports indicate that those responsible for the attacks and killings in Kogi East aim to instill fear and suppress political diversity, pushing people to align with a single political ideology.
“Democracy revolves around the majority and the freedom of choice, not political tyranny. The residents of Kogi East constitute the majority in Kogi state.
“The people of Kogi have endured enough. No one should advance their political ambitions at the expense of our people’s lives,” he said.
Achimugu further asserted that the federal government and all security agencies must proactively safeguard the people of Kogi State, with a particular focus on Kogi East.
“The occurrence of extrajudicial killings solely due to political allegiances is both alarming and perplexing.
“Let us refrain from further dividing the state along ethnic lines. If this pattern persists, it may escalate into a prolonged tribal conflict that could span decades,” he added.
The AAC gubernatorial candidate urged Governor Yahaya Bello to uphold his oath to protect the lives and property of all residents in Kogi State.
