From Ralph Omololu Agbana, Lokoja.
Following the intervention of Senator Sunday Karimi, who represents the Kogi West Senatorial District, and with the support of the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government (LG) and other key stakeholders, the three-day youth protests in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State have been suspended.
Thousands of youths took to the streets in Egbe, the commercial hub of Yagba West LGA, protesting the recent murders of three policemen and two vigilantes, who were brutally killed by bandits since Wednesday evening. The protests quickly spread to other areas within Yagba West LG.
Although Senator Karimi is currently out of the country, he has maintained communication with heads of security agencies, the leadership of the Yagba West Council, traditional leaders, and community representatives. His intervention followed a statement he issued from abroad, empathizing with the protesters and urging for calm. He reassured them that serious efforts are underway by the government and security agencies to address the situation.
Senator Karimi directly engaged with the leadership of the protesting youths, addressing them twice. He called for an end to the roadblocks and assured them that security forces are working diligently to bring the perpetrators to justice while ensuring lasting peace and security for the community. The youth leaders expressed their gratitude to the senator for taking the time to communicate with them despite being abroad, and for his relentless efforts both in the Senate and in his commitment to restoring peace in Egbe. They requested to meet with their members to relay the outcomes of the discussions and promised to honor the senator’s commitments by dismantling the roadblocks.
As a result, about two hours ago, the protesting youths removed the roadblocks on the highways, extinguished burning tires, and allowed the free movement of vehicles that had been stranded along the Ilorin-Egbe-Isanlu-Kabba road since the protests began on Wednesday.
The protests, which had halted commercial activities in the area for approximately 48 hours, have now come to an end, and normal daily activities have resumed. Senator Sunday Karimi remains dedicated to voicing the concerns of his constituents and ensuring their security. He empathizes with their grief and dissatisfaction and has consistently advocated for a lasting solution on the floor of the Senate and through his oversight responsibilities.
