Social critic, Comrade Austin Okai has called on Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to be awake to his responsibilities by protecting citizens of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Okai said the eastern part of the state has now become a “safe haven for kidnappers and other criminals”
The activist stated that the inaction and selective approach of the state government led to the thriving activities of kidnappers in Kogi East senatorial district.
He bemoaned recent cases of kidnapping in the are, attributing the upsurge to government negligence.
“We hear of high profile kidnapping cases on a daily basis now, as there is no day go by without people being kidnapped in Igala land. Most of these cases are not reported in the media.
“Recent activities of kidnappers has turned Kogi East to a no go area. The situation is more like a nightmare, as kidnapping has become daily occurrence in all parts of Kogi East.
“Aside the kidnapping of high profile individuals across the the senatorial district, many citizens of the area are already in the den of kidnappers who are feeding fat on the area. The kidnappers are even collecting food stuffs as part of ransom.
“The recent kidnapping of a first class traditional ruler of Ankpa kingdom and a former Chief Judge of Sharia Court is worrisome. Many victims are been killed by their abductors across Kogi East.
“Just two days ago, Barrister Isaac Ekpa was kidnapped along Anyigba road on his way for his father burial in Ogugu. I am also aware of how the acting Eje of Ankpa was also kidnapped on his way to mosque.
“The people of Kogi East are now completely at the mercy of armed gangs who roam towns and villages at will, killing and kidnapping people and wrecking havoc without any effort from the state government.
“The current situation in the Igala/ Bassa region has shown that Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration has failed in provision of security,” he said.
Okai called on the state government to step up its game and secure citizens and residents in Kogi East against the activities of disgruntled elements who has turned Igala/Bassa region to their operational base.
He wondered why the state government has maintained consistent silence on the ugly development in Kogi East, while other parts of the state are in safe custody of either rejigged security apparatuses or highly sophisticated vigilante groups.
Okai maintained that the safety of lives and properties of the people of the state is at the instance of the state governor, urging the state government to jettison selective and adopt collective actions.
He charged the state government to set up a special squad which will comprise of local vigilante group and hunters to secure Kogi East.
While praying for the release of Barrister Isaac Ekpa and acting Ejeh of Ankpa, Okai tasked the traditional rulers to rise up in unionism and draw the attention authorities to the level of insecurity that has ravaged their communities.
