Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho (APC-Kogi East) has called on federal government to rehabilitate communities affected by gunmen attacks and killings in Omala local government area of Kogi state.
Echocho made the call in a motion on a matter of urgent importance on the “Urgent Need for Rehabilitation of Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi, Bagaji, and Bagana Communities in Omala of Kogi following gunmen attack at Tuesday’s plenary.
He lamented that Omala LGA has been under recurring attacks by gunmen, leading to killings and destruction of properties and farmlands, thereby rendering many homeless with no means of sustenance.
He added that Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji, and Bagana communities have been ravaged by recent gunmen attacks, rendering over 30,000 inhabitants of the communities homeless, leading to exodus of these inhabitants to other parts of Kogi State.
“On 5th April 2024, armed herders invaded Agojeju Odo, Ajokpachi Odo, Bagaji and Bagana communities, killing 21 innocent citizens, including women and children, in addition to unprecedented destruction of their farm produce.
“On 30th April 2024, gunmen attacked Ajokpachi Odo community in Omala LGA, killing no fewer than three persons and rendering the entire community desolate, with no health facility to cater for the deteriorating health conditions of the survivors.
“Attacks on these communities in Omala LGA have resulted in the killing of over 500 citizens, in addition to wanton destruction of public and private properties worth hundreds of millions of naira,” he bemoaned.
Senator Echocho expressed concerns that after much persuasion, the displaced persons have resolved to return to their ancestral homes, but cannot afford shelters and have no means of sustenance, adding that educational institutions have been destroyed, with many buildings and other facilities completely burnt down, thereby making it absolutely difficult for the children of the affected communities to access educational facilities.
The lawmaker lamented that the number of out-of-school children in the affected communities is disheartening, and this poses a serious danger to the future of the children, the communities and the nation in general.
He stated that apart from destruction of schools, health centres are obviously non-existent to cater for the health needs of the affected communities as the few hitherto existing ones have been lost to the hostilities, and this has increased the rate of mortality in the affected communities.
He stressed that markets, business centres, shops and various business outfits in the affected communities have been completely destroyed, thereby throwing the people to an inevitable state of economic helplessness.
Contributing to the motion, Victor Umeh (Labour Party-Anambra), said the nation had yet to curb the problem of attacks in communities.
“The attackers have no right to ravage any community, saying that actions should be taken for ranching of cattle in the country. We must find a way of banning migrant grazing and apprehend and prosecute killers,” said Senator Umeh.
Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) called for an ad hoc committee to organise a public hearing to find a lasting solution to the farmer-herder conflict.
The Senate adopted Senator Echocho’s motion and observed a minute silence for the departed souls in the communities.
They resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the affected communities in Omala LGA of Kogi State, with relief materials and other forms of support necessary for their rehabilitation.
The Senate equally urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and NEMA to provide minimal seed capitals for the women and youths in the community, to facilitate their various economic activities.
