The Chairman of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), Kogi State chapter, Honourable Abdulmumini Ibrahim has called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to halt the violent destruction of lives and properties in Kogi communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In a chat with newsmen on Sunday, Abdulmumini said “moments like this calls for sober reflection”.
He urged all stakeholders in the state to set aside their differences and forge a united front in confronting the mayhem witnessed in Omala, Dekina and Bassa local government areas of the state.
“We condemn the dastard acts of the arsonists. The inhuman attacks must not be allowed to continue or repeated. All hands must be on deck to ensure this ugly incidence does not re-occur in our dear state.
“At this moment, we need to think deep and rally round Kogi State government and the security agencies with meaningful ideas that can help halt the mayhem and reveal the identities of these hoodlums. I urge everyone to come together, we have a very hot plate on our palms.
“All stakeholders in Kogi state must desist from any utterances that cannot help in ending this crisis or help in identifying the arsonists. The statement credited to Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State is unbecoming of a public officer. Making derogatory statement when his colleague governor is mourning is uncalled for. This is not the moment for mockery or playing politics.
“We are all on fire, regardless of our political differences. The statement credited to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is below expectation. We must be careful not to play unnecessary politics with lives of our people. Kogi indigenes, regardless of ethnic, religious or poloitical affiliations must rise above sentiments in critical moments like this,” he said.
Abdulmumini called on Kogi State government to quickly seek collaboration with governors of Nasarawa and Benue states by setting up security patrols around the affected communities because some of the affected communities share boundaries with these states. He tasked communities to set up local vigilance and security groups to make their towns and villages safer.
He also called on the state government members of the National Assembly from Kogi state to liaise with appropriate agencies for establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps so that displaced families in affected communities can be rehabilitated in a secured place where they can access medical and get relief materials.
“I appeal to religious bodies to support these communities with prayers and relief materials. I equally call governments, non-governmental organizations and spirited individuals to assist the families that has lost dear ones and properties.
“Our heart goes to the bereaved; those who have lost their loved ones and properties in the mayhem. We stand with them in prayer. We share their pains, we feel for them. We pray that God bring this terrible situation to an end very quickly.”
