A apex sociocultural group of Yoruba people of Kogi state, Okun Development Association (ODA), has announced its decision to commence profiling of residents across Okun communities in a bid to check the current upsurge in kidnapping, killings and other crimes in the area.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, President General of ODA, Ambassador Rotimi Akenson said residents will be profiled through the office of traditional rulers in collaboration with the governments and the law enforcement agencies to find sustainable solutions to this hydra headed problem confronting our people.
Amb. Akenson said people in the six local government areas of the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi state are now living in fear, trauma with disruption in economic activities due to the upsurge in insecurity.
He said the recent increase in security challenges have created fear and uncertainty among the people of Okun land.
This is coming on the heels of the abduction of Oba James Dada Ogunyanda, the traditional ruler of Okoloke in Yagba West local government area. Three other persons were killed three days later from the same community.
“The recent surge in terrorist attacks, kidnappings, killings, and other security threats across the six Local Government Areas of Kogi State that comprise Okun Land has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” he said.
According to him, the attacks have affected socioeconomic activities of the people with farmlands and markets deserted.
“The impact of these developments on our socio-economic activities cannot be overstated. Our markets are deserted, our farms are untended, and our businesses are struggling to stay afloat. The situation demands urgent attention and collective action.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, including the military and police, who have been working tirelessly to combat these threats, the President General wants more efforts to be put in place.
“Their bravery and dedication are commendable, and we appreciate the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. However, we also recognize the crucial role that community-led initiatives play in addressing security challenges. Our hunters and vigilante groups have been instrumental in providing support to the security agencies and helping to maintain peace in our communities. We commend their efforts and call for greater collaboration between these groups and the security agencies.
“As part of ongoing efforts by the Okun Development Association (ODA) to address the alarming security situation in Okunland, the Security Implementation Committee set up following the Okun Security Summit in March 2025, met in Abuja over the weekend to address the situation.
“The meeting received reports of the persistent security breaches and challenges in Okunland; the most recent being the kidnapping of the Traditional Ruler of Okoleke, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, Oba Dada James Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okololeke and the barbaric murder of three (3) local hunters in their bid to secure the release of the revered monarch,” he stated further.
The President General added that to demonstrate the commitment of the Sociocultural body, “the ODA has therefore decided to take some IMMEDIATE Actions that are within the competence of the Security Committee and the Okun Development Association to bolster the security of the people of Okunland.”
The actions, he noted, include mobilizing hunters and vigilantes into the bush to rescue the traditional ruler, providing financial assistance to all Okun hunters that died in the line of duty and purchase insurance policies for four years for all Okun hunters involved in operation in Okun land.
Others are; health Insurance is also to be purchased for Okun Hunters and Vigilantes to cater for financial needs arising from operational hazards relating to their duties, profiling of residents across Okun communities through the office of traditional rulers.
