A social cultural group, Uk’omu Igala Organisation has raised concerns over chains of violence unleashed by thugs believed to be acting on behalf of the government in power and elements of the opposition in Kogi East.
In a communiqué issued by the group at the end of its executive council meeting held at Anyigba to examine the “dire situation” in Kogi East district (Igalaland), Uk’omu Igala noted that spate of political violence appears to have intensified in the countdown to the 2019 general elections.
The communique which was issued on Tuesday in Lokoja and signed by the National Leader of the group, Maj. Gen. Patrick Akpa (retd.) stated that there is no need for Ward Governors in Kogi East, no matter who gave them such mandate.
The group lamented that in the last four years, the crime rate in Kogi East has grown, to the point that criminal acts that were hitherto strange to the area have taken root.
“For instance, kidnapping was not known to our people until the last few years. Many prominent sons and daughters now avoid the area for fear of being kidnapped. Recently, an abomination called ‘organ harvest’ brought Kogi East to ridicule as it attracted coverage on national television. This is unacceptable,” the statement read.
Uk’Omu Igala Organisation called on the police and other security agencies, traditional institutions and the judiciary to ensure that justice is done in the investigation and prosecution of those involved in criminal acts, regardless of their political affiliations.
