The story of Kogi State in general, and Kogi Central in particular, transitioning from a hotbed of insecurity to a region of relative peace and growing prosperity, cannot be told without reference to the leadership of former Governor Yahaya Bello. Prior to his assumption of office in 2015, Okene and indeed the wider Kogi Central Senatorial District were deeply troubled by a convergence of security challenges, including armed conflict, clannish crises, rampant armed robbery, and the disruptive activities of religious extremists. These conditions not only threatened lives and property but also stifled economic growth, discouraged investment, and eroded public confidence in governance.
Against this backdrop, Yahaya Bello’s emergence marked a decisive turning point. Through a firm and coordinated approach to tackling these social menaces, his administration prioritized the restoration of law and order as a foundation for sustainable development. The result has been a gradual but remarkable shift: communities once defined by fear are now experiencing stability, while citizens and indigenes in the diaspora are increasingly returning with renewed confidence to invest and rebuild. This article chronicles that journey; examining the policies, actions, and outcomes that have redefined Kogi Central’s narrative.
The chronicle of security challenges in Kogi Central prior to Bello’s administration reads like a grim catalogue of terror and tragedy. In 2011, for instance, no fewer than fifteen individuals lost their lives during a brazen bank robbery operation in Okene, where four banks were simultaneously attacked. The operation was executed with alarming ease, largely due to inadequate manpower, poor coordination among security agencies, and logistical constraints. Eyewitness accounts described indiscriminate gunfire that sent ten victims to their untimely graves on the spot, as law enforcement officers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the attackers, reportedly fled the scene.
This was not an isolated incident. In August 2015, another daring robbery in Okene claimed the lives of two policemen, while substantial sums were carted away. Similarly, in 2014, six persons; including four policemen were killed in yet another violent bank attack. Perhaps most harrowing was the terrorist attack of August 6, 2012, when gunmen stormed a place of worship in Okene, killing worshippers and plunging the entire state into mourning. The violence extended beyond civilians, as security personnel also became targets, with multiple fatal attacks recorded across the district, including Ogori/Magongo and Ajaokuta. These incidents, among many others, underscored a pattern of organized violence that left communities devastated and forced many residents to flee their ancestral homes in search of safety.
Confronted with this dire reality, Bello’s administration undertook decisive and strategic interventions. Recognizing the need for synergy, he fostered collaboration among security agencies, strengthening their operational capacity through logistical support and unified command structures. Initiatives such as “Operation Know Your Neighbour” and incentives for whistleblowers encouraged community participation in intelligence gathering, leading to the identification and dismantling of criminal networks. Properties linked to criminal activities were identified and demolished, while security operations were extended to previously inaccessible enclaves that had served as safe havens for criminal elements. Through sustained commitment and resource deployment, Kogi Central gradually emerged from the shadows of insecurity into a more stable and habitable environment. This foundation of peace has since been consolidated by successive leadership, reinforcing a trajectory of stability and growth.
Today, the dividends of peace are evident. Economic activities have surged, with Okene in particular witnessing a remarkable increase in commercial vibrancy; arguably rivaling, and in some respects surpassing, that of Lokoja, the state capital. The return of indigenes in the diaspora, bringing investments and entrepreneurial ventures, has further stimulated local development. The festive season of December 2025, which saw an unprecedented influx of visitors, celebrities, and cultural activities, stands as a testament to the restored sense of security and communal confidence in Ebiraland.
Across the district, testimonies abound, reflecting widespread acknowledgment of the transformation achieved under Bello’s leadership. Communities that once lived under the constant shadow of fear now speak of renewal, opportunity, and hope. It is this enduring legacy that continues to shape public sentiment and political discourse in the region.
In the final analysis, the story of Kogi Central is not merely one of overcoming insecurity; it is a powerful testament to what purposeful leadership, strategic vision, and collective resolve can achieve. From the depths of fear to the promise of prosperity, Ebiraland’s journey stands as a compelling narrative of resilience and rebirth; one that will echo through generations as a reminder that even the most troubled societies can find their way back to peace when leadership rises to meet the moment.
In light of this remarkable transformation, it is unsurprising that a groundswell of support has continued to build across Kogi Central, with many stakeholders, community leaders, and ordinary citizens adopting Yahaya Bello as most preferred choice to represent them at the Senate. For them, this call is not merely political; it is a call rooted in lived experience of peace restored, lives rebuilt, and opportunities regained. They view his track record in securing Ebiraland and fostering stability as a compelling testament to his capacity for higher legislative responsibility. As the voices grow louder, the appeal reflects a collective desire to translate the gains of peace and tranquility into effective representation at the national level, ensuring that the progress achieved is not only sustained but further amplified.
– Abdulrazaq Adinoyi Omeiza, Ph.D writes from Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
