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* Holds stakeholders Security Summit in Kabba
Piqued by worsening security situation across Okun land in kogi state, the Okun Development Association ODA, has tasked , FG, kogi state government, security agencies and all stakeholders in Security architecture In the country to declare state of emergency on security in Okunland to arrest wanton killings and mass abduction of the people.
In a Press Statement addressed by the President General of ODA. Amb. Akenson Rotimi and made available to Treasuretimes on Wednesday noted that it has become imperative against the backdrop of 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
The President General bemoaned the upsurge of violent crimes targeted at his people which has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
He said the impact of these developments on the socio-economic activities cannot be overstated, as markets are deserted, farms are untended, and our businesses are struggling to stay afloat, saying the situation demands urgent attention and collective action. He said while acknowledging the efforts of our security agencies, including the military and police, who have been working tirelessly to combat these threats, their bravery and dedication are commendable, the crucial role that community-led initiatives play in addressing security challenges; the hunters and vigilante groups have been instrumental in providing support to the security agencies and helping to maintain peace in our communities, he however called for greater collaboration between these groups and the security agencies.
The community leader, while , decrying the orgy of deaths of his people gave chronological list of incidents that have place in recent times.
1. May 2, 2021: Killing of Commissioner and Kidnapping of Local Government Chairman
Incident Detail: On May 2, 2021, Solomon Adegbayo, a Commissioner in the Kogi State Pensions Board, was killed, and the Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area, Pius Kolawole, was kidnapped.
2. July 2021: Series of Violent Attacks
Incident Detail: Multiple violent events, including fatal attacks and kidnappings, were reported along the Okeagi–Imela road between Mopamuro and Yagba East LGAs, and in Kabba.
A couple was fatally attacked along the Okeagi–Imela road between Mopamuro and Yagba East LGAs.Four individuals, including a man and three women, were kidnapped in Mopamuro LGA. The owner of Lifted Pharmacy was abducted in Kabba
3. September 2021: Abduction of Poultry Farmers
Incident Details: Two poultry farmers were kidnapped, and another individual was fatally shot around a poultry farm in Kogi West
September 19, 2021: Attack on ECWA Church in Okedayo, Kabba
Incident Details: During a church service, gunmen invaded the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) along the Kabba-Okene express road in Okedayo, Kabba, killing the Deputy Chief Security Officer of a local higher institution and kidnapping several worshippers.
May 2023: Kidnapping of Two Brothers in Aluju, Kakun
Incident Details: Two brothers were abducted from their family land in Aluju, Kakun, and another two individuals from Odo-Ape were kidnapped. These victims were held captive for over nine days.
6. August 2023: Kidnapping of Monarch and Wife in Idofin
Incident Details: The Oba of Idofin, Shedrack Obibeni, and his wife were abducted in Yagba East Local Government Area.
Source: Specific URL not available.
7. December 2023: Rescue Operations Along Ajaokuta–Lokoja Road
-Incident Details: Security forces rescued 24 abducted individuals, including students and staff of Comprehensive High School Ajaokuta, along the Ajaokuta–Lokoja road.
Source: Specific URL not available.
8. Sunday 21st January 2024: A trailer load of Fulanis sighted along the in Bunu district.
“Incident Details: A trailer load of Fulani invaded Bunu district. They were sighted along the road close to Iluke at the heart of Bunu district.
The farmers ,traditional leaders and even ,the vigilantes in the village had no prior information or knowledge of this strange migrants’ movement into the town. They are in excess of a hundred, mostly women and children, they came in with their food, beddings, herdsmen’s sticks, and other household things.
They said; they have a letter of authority (the letter written in Hausa language was sighted and was instructive to their relocating to our land for settlement from a certain seriki in Bwari AMAC and that their male adults were said to be on their way. Another report said; they claimed to be going to another village within our district on the invitation of another seriki, but the said _seriki replied enquiry that he is not aware of their coming.
9. January 2024: Multiple Kidnappings in Isanlu, Yagba East
” Incident Details: Over 48 hours, more than six individuals were kidnapped around Isanlu; three people died attempting to escape.
10. May 2024: Abduction in Ejiba
Incident Details: A businesswoman was kidnapped in Ejiba, with abductors demanding a N20 million ransom.
He disclosed that in the effort of ODA to stem the ugly situation has organised security summit in Kabba with far reaching proposals.
” it is common knowledge that Okun Development Association (ODA), a socio-cultural organization representing the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, has taken many proactive steps to tackle insecurity in Okun land. On the 28th of March 2025, the ODA organized a Stakeholders Security Summit, in Kabba, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to brainstorm solutions to the insecurity challenges plaguing our land. – ODA has also been advocating for proper profiling of settlers in Okun land to enhance security. This initiative aims at identifying and addressing potential security threats posed by strangers not profiled before settling in our communities. –
“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.
The Committee noted that while the situation cannot be said to have overwhelmed the security agencies that are doing their utmost under very difficult circumstances, their responses appear less impactful. 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 Immediate Actions include the following
Mobilising Hunters and Vigilantes into the bush to rescue the Traditional ruler. They are still combing the bush.
Financial assistance shall be given to all Okun Hunters that died in the line of duty in the recent past as morale booster for the ones still alive and working and to assist the families of the deceased persons.
“The Committee is to purchase Insurance Policies for four (4) years for all Okun Hunters involved in operation in Okun land as morale booster and incentives for commitment to their duties
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 is to begin immediately. In this regard a template to use across Okun land is being designed by the Committee and will be distributed by the leadership of ODA paying visits to the relevant Traditional Rulers.
“A Subcommittee to put together financial costs of the Technical needs of the Hunters, Vigilantes and other agencies involved in securing Okun land has been set up.
“Okun Development Association is deepening its collaboration with the Governments at levels and the law Enforcement Agencies to find sustainable solutions to this hydra headed problem confronting our people
The ODA shall continue to emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to address security challenges, through youth engagement in agriculture, and adequate support from the political class. The situation in Okun land which has led to fear and trauma among our citizens, disrupting economic activities and agricultural production is worrisome”
According to Dr. Tunde Arosanyin, an agricultural expert, insecurity is affecting the agricultural value chain in Okunland, leading to devastating effects on food production and the regional economy.
He said there is needs to be addressed urgently and called on Kogi state government led by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to take immediate action to address the insecurity situation in Okun Land and Okoleke.
This includes providing adequate support to security agencies and implementing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of insecurity on our communities. ” “We also call on the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives in the state to take charge and ensure that the upsurge in kidnapping, bank robberies, and other criminalities across the state are dealt with decisively. Furthermore, we appeal to our royal fathers to work together with security agencies and relevant authorities to address the security challenges in our land.
The President General said the association remain committed to working with the government and security agencies to restore peace and security to Okun Land and Okoleke even as he urge the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
He assumed that together, they can build a safer and more prosperous Okun land.
