The people of Aluala-Iyano community in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State have sent an SOS to the Federal Government, the National Human Rights Commission and the Amnesty International over the mayhem that rocked the area in 2015.
The Onu of Aluala-Iyano, Chief Benjamin Akoji, who made the disclosure, lamented the crisis that led to the death of one of his subjects, John Ateli, while another, Omanyo Acholo, has been declared missing.
According to him, the call for help became necessary in view of incessant attacks, arson, destruction of lives and property, perpetrated by neighbouring communities following chieftaincy tussle in the area.
He explained that the people deserted the community as a result of the 2015 mayhem and had not been able to return since then.
Akoji added that his people have since expressed their desire to return home with calls on government and security agencies to assist and work towards their return.
He also disclosed that they had written a notification letter dated January 12, 2016 to the Kogi State governor intimating him of their willingness to return home.
He lamented that the people were finding it difficult to earn a living after the destruction of their businesses, apartments, farm produce and domestic animals allegedly perpetrated by people from neighbouring communities.
The traditional ruler further said that an emergency peace meeting was convened by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ibaji Local Government Area, Egwu Nwaschi, at Onyedega in February to resolve the issues with other communities.
He, however, regretted that despite the readiness of the community to embrace peace, the peace efforts did not yield any fruitful result.
He said it was when the people attempted to return to their community that Ateli was hacked down by assailants, who were said to be patrolling the area with some women.
He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government and non governmental organisations to come to the aid of the people of the community who are now refugees in their fatherland.
Credit: Tribune
