By Gen. Ataguba.
1. *Preamble / Introduction*
Ukomu Igala Organization convened a town hall meeting on Saturday, 16th May 2026 at Monitec Hotel, Anyigba, with community stakeholders, traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, security agencies, and representatives of Fulani settlements in Kogi East.
The meeting was convened to discuss the rising cases of insecurity – banditry, kidnapping and brutal killings involving unknown gunmen, herders and farmers in the region, and to collectively propose actionable solutions for peace and safety.
2. *Observations*
The meeting noted the following:
a. That the recent frequency and pattern of attacks in Kogi East Senatorial District, especially in Omala Local Government and Ogane-Enigu, Ochipu in Dekina/Bassa LG areas between Jan–May 2026 calls for utmost concern and necessary actionable plans.
b. Loss of lives, destruction of property and farm produce are overwhelmingly disheartening and catastrophic.
c. Displacement of families and disruption of livelihoods is at alarming rate.
d. Gaps in early warning, intelligence gathering, sharing, and response mechanism is worrisome.
e. Testimonies of peaceful coexistence amongst Fulani/ Igala that even culminated in trade by batter, guardian and intermarriage were shared.
f. Hired armed Fulani youths by indigenous Fulanis to rear cattle is one of the root causes of the destruction of lives and property, and distortion of peaceful coexistence amongst Fulani/Igala Bassa
g. Porousness in the riverine areas which is the boundary between Nasarawa, Bassa and Omala Local Government Areas is the major cause of influx of the Fulani militias.
h. Criminal youths from Igala/Bassa who don’t even own farmland are perpetrators in killing cows, using the same as business. On the other hand, the armed Fulani youths causing mayhem don’t also own cows but chose kidnapping and banditary as business.
i. The bone of contention is the destruction of farm produce and the killing of cows which are the means of livelihood of both parties..
3. *Resolutions*
After extensive deliberations, the stakeholders resolved as follows:
a. The era of ‘free to air’ criminal activities in Kogi East Senatorial District is over after this meeting.
b. Whether Fulani or Igala, there shall be no more sacred cows. Henceforth, culprits will face the full wrath of the law.
c. There shall be an establishment of a well structured security architecture, with available two lines for distress calls, to avoid gaps in information dissemination.
d. Traditional rulers, Gagos and family heads should wake up to their responsibilities.
e. Patience, tolerance, accommodation and necessary actionable plans towards peaceful coexistence are non-negotiable.
f. For synergy and collaboration with the Fulani settlers, it is imperative to incorporate them into security architecture to jointly fight the scourge of criminal activities.
g. On Security, Clarion Call on Kogi State Government and security agencies to increase joint patrols and establish rapid response posts in vulnerable communities
h. Demand immediate, impartial investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of killings and destructions in Kogi East.
I. Establish a joint herder-farmer peace committee at LGAs and ward levels to settle disputes before escalation.
j. Appeal to SEMA, NEMA, and NGOs to provide relief materials for displaced persons.
k. All communities in Kogi East Senatorial District should as a matter of urgent importance commit to sharing timely and accurate information with security agencies and to desist from reprisal attacks.
4. *Conclusion*
The stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence, rule of law, and collective action against all forms of criminality. It is believed that lasting peace is achievable through justice, dialogue, and inclusive governance.
